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Drone for Rhino Tracking
Rhino poaching has escalated dramatically in recent years and is being driven by the demand for rhino horn in Asian countries, particularly Vietnam and China, due to its use as a status symbol to display someone’s success and wealth and in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Although there is no scientific proof of its medicinal value, rhino horn is highly prized in traditional Asian medicine, It is ground into a fine powder or manufactured into tablets as a treatment for a variety of illnesses such as nosebleeds, strokes, convulsions, and fevers.
The Western black rhino was already declared extinct by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) in 2011, with the primary cause identified as poaching. All five remaining rhino’s species are listed on the IUCN Redlist species, with three out of five species classified as critically endangered.
At this moment, our fund mainly focuses the support of the Nature Reserves next to or as a part of the Greater Kruger National Park. When the rhino poaching crisis emerged and the Balule Nature Reserve became a target, Transfrontier Africa realigned to tackle this challenge.
Both black and white rhinos are monitored to strategize for anti-poaching patrols as well as conservation management. Rhinos are located through tracking as well as camera traps. The location and overall health are monitored closely to ensure that the population stays safe and strong. To ensure the protection of the rhinos and other wildlife, we support the Black Mambas project.
During the past three and a half years, Transfrontier Africa has focused most of its efforts on strengthening partnerships with the adjacent tribal communities and seeking new technologies and partnerships to solve the illegal wildlife trade. Focusing primarily on ecological research and protected area management, Transfrontier Africa initiated the Balule Research Facility that partners with several local and international research institutions. A multi-pronged approach was developed to address the problems and research, socio-economic, technological and tactical solutions were developed and implemented.
Izindlovu Fund met Craig Spencer, the director of Transfrontier Africa and the Black Mambas in february 2020.
In order to be able to carefully monitor rhinos and other wildlife, our team is convinced that Transfrontier Africa would benefit from using a drone to ensure the animals health, understand their movements and monitor any calves being born. Izindlovu Fund has set up this fundraiser to support Transfrontier Africa and hopes to raise enough money to be able to donate this drone through our Wildlife Drone Project.
Anti-poaching patrols and the continually monitoring of the South African regions already shows that less rhinos and wildlife are poached. A drone will be of great support and will have a long-term impact as the units will be able to tackle this challenge much faster.
Donate 10€
Because every donation, no matter how big or small, counts.
Donate 25€
Because every donation, no matter how big or small, counts.
Donate 50€
When donating 50€, you will receive a free set of 10 postcards with stunning wildlife photos.
Donate 100€
When donating 100€, you will receive a free Izindlovu Fund T-shirt of your choice.
Donate 250€
When donating 250€, you will receive a free set of postcards and two Izindlovu Fund T-shirts of your choice.