What Have We Learned?
There are promising signs that rhino numbers are slowly increasing after decades of decline. And while some interpret this trend as proof that international and internal trade bans are finally working, others believe it is more likely the result of new approaches to rhino conservation, improved intelligence, and the consolidation of the majority of Africa's rhinos within sanctuaries, conservancies, and other intensively protected areas. Whatever the reasons, there is no room for complacency.
To understand the factors contributing to successes and failures in rhino conservation, WWF and the World Conservation Society/New York Zoological Society have carried out an in-depth study entitled Different Approaches to Rhino Conservation in Asia and Africa: A Cost/Benefit Analysis. The scale and scope of the study are unprecedented and a large number of different variables were investigated. While the analysis reveals the complexities of rhino conservation, it also identifies those factors that have been the major determinants of the successes to date.
First and foremost, rhino conservation is an expensive business, both in terms of capital and human resources. It is estimated that around US$1,400 per square kilometre per year are needed to detect and deter poaching incursions and to provide adequate safety for rhinos. In terms of manpower, a minimum of one ranger per 20km2 is considered optimal. For huge areas like Tsavo National Park (21,283km2) or the Selous Game Reserve (43,626km2), millions of dollars would be required each year and thousands of law enforcement staff. Clearly this goes well beyond the capacity of most governments and conservation agencies.
A second success factor has been the consolidation of rhinos into relatively small areas or areas specifically dedicated to their protection. In some cases this has been combined with high-security fencing, high levels of surveillance and monitoring. While bigger protected areas are clearly better from a biological standpoint, smaller ones are easier to staff, equip, and manage.
A further contributing factor to successful rhino conservation in Africa and Asia has been the active involvement and participation of local communities. Where people have benefited directly from rhino conservation, through ecotourism ventures or employment in rhino monitoring and protection, the rhinos have also benefited significantly.
Ironically, translocated rhinos have fared better than those in naturally occurring populations. Although this is due in large part to the additional effort and expense put into their care and well-being once they have been moved, it is also related to the characteristics of their new homes. For example, rhinos have benefited from being in fenced areas, in areas away from international borders, and in areas free from civil war or unrest nearby.
Although the future of rhinos is by no means guaranteed, the results of this study have given WWF a clear sense of direction for the coming years.