STS Team in Mozambique dehorn a White Rhino Bull
White Rhinos are grazing animals found in long and short grass savanna areas and in grasslands. White Rhino are vulnerable to poaching for their horns. This is a major cause of individual death, with an average of 3 Rhinos poached daily in South Africa alone. Their horns have high value on traditional asian medicine markets, despite being made up of keratin, the same material as our finger nails.
Poaching levels increased dramatically from 2007 to 2014, leading to population declines and increasing the costs and risks associated with protection.
Our veterinary team in Mozambique is supporting the Mozambican government implementing a regional initiative to dehorn all Rhinoceros in areas at high risk of poaching.
Following reports of one White Rhino Bull roaming along the South African – Mozambique border our team deployed to the area, in collaboration with the Karingani fixed wing, helicopter and ground team.
After a short search from the air, the White Rhino bull was found, darted, effectively dehorned and awoken without incident.
Dehorning is a last resource tool to protect Rhinos in high risk areas and evidence suggests that there are no significant impacts on the Rhinos survival and breeding rates.
Why are Rhinos so important?
Rhinos play an important part of our ecosystems and without them these environments would not be the same. Rhinos are keystone species meaning they greatly influence their habitats. One way in which Rhinos do this is by wallowing in muddy puddles. This allows watering holes to stay open, allowing not only Rhinos but all species access to water.
How can I support Saving The Survivors work?
Please donate if you can to ensure that we are always there to answer that call to protect remaining Rhinos. You can support our work by becoming a monthly or one off donor. Please help us to do more great work like this, and save the Rhino from extinction. Donate here.
You can also support us by following us on social media. Share our stories to give these vulnerable animals a voice. With your help we can raise awareness of issues and create a more positive future for wildlife. Check out our other supporters views on facebook. Check out our instagram here.
Thank you from all of team Saving The Survivors for your support!