Rhino Conservation
Ongoing poaching, slow reproductive cycles, and diminishing habitat pose continued risks to the future of the black and white rhino.
South Africa holds a critical responsibility in the global conservation effort, with approximately 90% of the world’s white rhino population and 44% of the black rhino population calling this region home. This endangered species is not only integral to the ecosystem, but they also represent a cultural and ecological heritage that must be preserved for future generations.
INTRODUCING
White Rhino at Buffalo Kloof
The demand for rhino horns exploded in the mid-2000s and the level of poaching sky-rocketed.
In response, we introduced our first population of white rhinos in 2010. Little did we know that this endeavour would become the cornerstone of our mission. Today, our white rhino population continues to flourish, a testament to our unwavering dedication to their protection and conservation.
INTRODUCING
Black Rhino at Buffalo Kloof
In 2019, we furthered our commitment by introducing black rhinos to Buffalo Kloof.
Through collaborative efforts with organisations like the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project and Eastern Cape Parks, we've created a thriving habitat for these critically endangered species. Our goal is not just to protect existing populations but also to contribute to the expansion and relocation efforts crucial for the survival of black rhino.
At Buffalo Kloof, rhino conservation is not just a commitment; it’s our purpose. The project was born out of a deep-seated desire to protect these iconic megaherbivores and provide them with the expansive habitats they need to thrive. Since our inception, we’ve expanded our footprint to accommodate the growing rhino populations and have become a stronghold in the fight against poaching.
Anti-Poaching
Protecting rhinos is a costly yet imperative exercise, and private owned areas like Buffalo Kloof play a pivotal role in their conservation. Our dedicated team of anti-poaching rangers, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, patrols our conservancy tirelessly, ensuring the safety of every individual rhino. From surveillance cameras to helicopter patrols and innovative tracking systems, we leave no stone unturned in our mission to safeguard these magnificent animals.
How you can contribute
Protecting rhino is both intensive and costly due to the constant threat of poaching. We offer a unique opportunity for a select few to actively help conserve these endangered species. When rhino calves reach a certain age they need to be “notched” for identification purposes, this enables the monitoring team on the ground to identify individuals. We have also deployed artificial intelligence foot collars to our rhino population. These ankle fitted collars provide real time abnormal behaviour alerts, when strange behaviour is detected, a GPS location is sent to the control room, allowing our anti-poaching team to respond quickly to the area.
For those passionate about rhino conservation, we offer an extraordinary chance to join Dr. William Fowlds and the Buffalo Kloof rhino team on the ground. Participants have the rare opportunity to assist in helping us ear notch or collar a rhino. Throughout this experience, individuals will have hands-on involvement in administering medication, collecting scientific data, and monitoring the animal under anaesthesia. This experience is subject to availability and is conducted solely for conservation purposes. The proceeds from the procedure contribute directly to financing our conservation operations and specific objectives. This procedure is carefully planned with the conservation and veterinary team and therefore must be prebooked.