Save the Waterberg Rhino

Horseback riding safaris are an incredible opportunity to get close to the African wildlife and experience the bush in an eco-friendly way. Ant's Lodge riding safari is not only notorious for catering families and individuals with a luxurious riding holiday in the African bush, but it is also dedicated to protecting Africa's incredible wildlife. Rhinos have become an iconic figure, their majestic nature and appearance is surely breathtaking,  but their hard fight against extinction is becoming more and more critical each day. At Ant's, in the Waterberg (north of the country) this species is highly protected and riders are able to admire rhinos from up close. However, could you imagine not ever seeing them walk this world again?

Save the Waterberg Rhino was founded by Ant and Tessa Baber, Victoria Crake and Gustav Collins. Ant and Tessa had owned a reserve in the Waterberg in South Africa for many years, yet it was not until December 2011, when they spotted one of their white rhino cows poached together with her 11-month old baby, that they decided to take action. The horrific sight devastated them and security around the rhinos was reinforced. At the end of July 2012 another of their white rhino cows was poached, but this time her 18-month baby managed a lucky escape. The Babers quickly realized that reinforcing security was not a lasting solution and that more needed to be done. The rhino calf survivor inspired them to go the extra mile and this is how the 'Save the Waterberg Rhino' foundation was born.

There are about 19,000 white rhinos in South Africa and we estimate that 20-25% of these numbers are in private ownership. With the increasing demand for rhino horns in the Asian market, poaching has exploded on the African continent and private rhino owners have come under pressure to protect these magnificent creatures.

Owners have had to tackle this issue and have been facing the battle against rhino poaching for years. Every day, they are playing the most important role in rhino conservation, fighting for the future of the species. However, the cost of protecting small populations of rhinos is enormous, and ranges from $2,000-$28,000 annually per rhino. Save the Waterberg Rhino has teamed up with The Waterberg Biosphere Reserve and StopRhinoPoaching.com in the hope of raising funds to protect the rhinos in private ownership around the Waterberg area. The team is composed of members of the community, rhino owners, rhino specialist and security experts. Their mission is to protect and conserve the rhino populations in the Waterberg Biosphere area in order to preserve the natural environment and benefit local communities through the enhancement of security, education and sustainable social uplifting.

Worldwide, just five species of rhino remain. The white and black rhinos are the only species left roaming the plains of Africa, making up for 90% of the world's rhino population. These species are heading rapidly towards extinction, and without appropriate action and education, we cannot ensure their survival.

By the end of 2016, over 6,700 rhinos had been illegally poached in South Africa. More than 1,000 rhinos are being poached each year, meaning at least 3 rhinos are possibly killed every day. The poaching slaughter is not just terrifying, but it is also barbaric, with poachers often hacking off the horns while they are still alive.

Poaching has increased at an alarming rate over the last few years due to an increasing demand on rhino's horn in East Asia and the Middle East market. Traditional Chinese medicine beliefs of its curative powers is the main reason the horns are so valuable. On the other hand, the horn is also seen as a symbol of power in some cultures, which means it is only being used as an ornament to depict status in society.

The rhino horn is made up of keratin, the protein found in hair and fingernails. In the centre of the horn there are dense mineral deposits of calcium and melanin, which is actually very similar in structure to horse hooves! Although the horn contains a great amount of Keratin, there is no scientific proof that rhino's horn mineral composition is an effective cure for life-threatening illnesses, like traditional Chinese medicine likes to claim. In other words, the Rhino's horn "medical miracles" are just a perception that has been in Asian tradition for thousands of years.

Every day we are getting closer to not seeing rhinos ever again. But the solution to saving them can be as complex as the poaching issue itself. A multi-faceted approach has been required to address the socioeconomic challenges that surround this issue. Employment, education, reduction of demand, law enforcement (international and government cooperation), political will and cross-border support with neighbouring countries are just a few of the components that are making a difference in the Rhinos survival.

Even though it seems like there is much to be done, the Save the Waterberg Rhino foundation is already allocating resources. In the last few years, the foundation has been able to achieve multiple goals thanks to fundraisers and working in close conjunction with private reserves,  rhino owners, APU's and the South African National Parks.

Through funding and sponsoring, the foundation has managed to procure achievements such as a responsive trailer, high tech equipment, areal patrols, a Rhino response team, security workshops, environmental education programmes of rhino conservation, awareness programmes, employment of staff, and many others. All of this progress has managed to make the life of the rhino's more secure, but yet there is much more that can and must be done in order to preserve these magnificent animals.

Donations are the most effective way to help rhino owners in the fight against poaching. Owners have been evaluating the problem year after year and have determined a plan to direct funds effectively to generate the greatest impact. However, there are other ways to help as well, and the first and most important thing is to keep yourself informed. You can subscribe to the Save the Waterberg Rhino newsletter to be constantly updated about the poaching crisis.

When on a riding holiday at Ant's Lodge, be sure to ask your guide and host for more information. They will be happy to speak to you about the issue and introduce you to some of the rhinos at the reserve. When coming back home, don't forget about what you have learned and seen, spread the word and inform others as well. Returning home with a small booklet or poster and putting it up in the office or school can spark interest in others and they might want to be part of the cause.

If you are ever lucky enough to spot a Rhino,  just remember you might have been one of the last few humans to have ever been in the presence of this creature. If we do not act NOW, we could be looking at a future in which this iconic species is wiped out.