Supporting Rhino Sanctuaries

In the 1970s and 1980s, Zimbabwe was a rhino conservation success story. Unlike some rhino range states to the north, Zimbabwe had increased its rhino numbers to the point that, by 1987, it had more than 1,700 black rhinos, representing almost half of the world’s total population. When poaching escalated in the 1990s, many rhinos were moved to Intensive Protection Zones (IPZs). Some were secured in sanctuaries, ranches and conservancies. With active protection in these areas, poaching was contained, and rhino birth rates rose substantially.

Then new challenges arose. The changing political situation in Zimbabwe led to economic sanctions. Many international donors no longer had a way to support Zimbabwe’s rhinos. Ultimately, the government funding to IPZs dropped drastically, almost leaving the rhinos to fend for themselves.

Especially vulnerable was the Sinamatella IPZ in Hwange National Park in AWF’s Kazungula Heartland. Suddenly, rhinos were being lost. Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe harbors a delicate population of about 90 black rhinos. Despite 24-hour security in the area, the IPZ rhinos are a frequent target for well-armed poachers. As of 2004, the unstable political environment, economic decline, a lack of financial support, and the on-going transformation of Zimbabwe’s National Parks Department into a self-sustaining authority made comprehensive protection of this area nearly impossible.

In 2004, AWF decided to re-engage, despite the danger and the fact that most organizations were pulling out of Zimbabwe. AWF supported the recruitment of 11 new rangers and equipped them with everything from binoculars to GPS units to camping equipment. AWF provided hundreds of gallons of fuel for their Land Rovers and fuel for air surveillance so that the rangers could know where the rhinos were at all times. These critical yet basic steps now allow rangers to patrol the area and deter poachers more effectively.

With continuing AWF support, results have been remarkable. No new rhino poaching has been reported since June 2004. Calves have been born and Hwange’s rhino population appears to be once again on its way to recovery. Rangers are now able to use microchips to monitor range and movements of the rhinos, and new rangers have been recruited to increase coverage of the patrol area. Finally, cooperation with Botswana authorities has grown, making it difficult for poachers to use Botswana as an escape route from the IPZ.

Though populations remain small, the outlook for rhinos is good. With the support of a host of governments, communities, scientists, and conservation organizations, AWF continues to catalyze efforts to save the rhino. Zimbabwe is still experiencing severe problems, from political instability to severe drought. But in the Sinamatella Intensive Protection Zone, at least, there is reason to hope that the best is yet to come.