|
The desert adapted black rhino (Diceros bicornis bicornis) surviving in the Kunene Region (former Damaraland and Kaokoland) in the arid north-west of Namibia are the only rhino world-wide, that have survived on communal land with no formal conservation status.
In the early 1980`s in this vast, strangely beautiful and spectacular desert scenery, a savage slaughter of desert wildlife was taking place. As the rhino numbers shrank to near extinction, a group of concerned people (scientists; geologists; community leaders; nature conservation officials; farmers; journalists; housewives and businessmen) gathered together to form a Trust fund. The aim of this Trust was to stop the horrendous slaughter of rhino, elephant and other wildlife which was taking place in the desert. The killing was being perpetrated by military staff of the SADF and white government officials, who paid subsistance farmers to hunt the rhino living high in the mountains where they were not easily shot from vehicle or helicopter.
Within a few years of determination and hard work and with the help of international funds the SAVE THE RHINO TRUST - NAMIBIA was born, officially recognized and registered as Charitable Organisation number 53.
Initially convicted poachers were employed by the SAVE THE RHINO TRUST (as they had extensive knowledge of the habits of rhino).  The aim to stop the extermination of the endangered black rhino from the communal land has been enthusiastically supported by the Chiefs and headmen as well as the neighbouring farming community. Ever since the Trust was formed, collaboration with Government and the local community has been achieved, with the aim to provide security for the rhino, monitor the rhino population in the region, and to bring benefit to the community through conservation and tourism.
Blythe Loutit, founder member and trustee, and director until she died on
14. 06. 2005, could be proud of the achievements together with all her team members - despite some still lasting problems. Since the founding of the
SAVE THE RHINO TRUST in 1982 poaching has drastically declined and the rhino popualtion has more than doubled.
|
