Lockdown was good for the rhino population. Image via Adobe Stock
Rhino population of South Africa benefits from the global pandemic
While COVID-19 rocked the world to its core and had an adverse effect on almost everyone, the pandemic resulted in a decline in poaching and benefited the rhino population and other wildlife in South Africa.
Lockdown was good for the rhino population. Image via Adobe Stock
The International Rhino Foundation released its annual State of the Rhino report for this year on Tuesday, which outlined current conservation trends and highlighted the effect of the global pandemic on the world’s five species of rhinoceros.
The report stated that border closures during the COVID-19 pandemic, restricted domestic and international travel, private reserves closed to outside visitors, regular checkpoints, and an increased military and police presence all contributed to the decline in poaching.
The foundation said gains may be higher than expected in some areas, such as Zimbabwe’s Bubye Valley, which saw a 13.8% population growth during the first six months of 2020.
Black market trading
International travel restrictions closed wildlife trafficking routes to China and Vietnam, the largest black markets for rhino horn. While rhino horn has no commercial value outside the illegal trade, it is estimated to be worth US$65,000 per kilogram on the black-market value, which is driven principally by consumer demand from Asia.
Unfortunately, as lockdown restrictions begin to ease in many countries, poaching will undoubtedly begin to raise its ugly head again, particularly due to the devastating effect the pandemic has had on local economies.
South Africa’s rhino population
According to the foundation, the black rhino population increased slightly, to 5,630 from 5,500 in 2019.
“The species remains critically endangered and at a fraction of the 65,000 historical population level in 1970. Only about 2,300 remained in the early 1990s, and the population is forecast to continue to make small gains,” the foundation said.
Africa’s other species, the white rhino, has also faced dramatic declines over the past two years due to intensive poaching, with over 900 rhinos killed by criminals in Africa in 2018 alone (one every ten hours).
Between the first half of 2019 and 2020, it was reported that white rhino numbers dropped from 319 animals to 166.
“The population is estimated to be hovering around 18,000 animals. Concerns remain that the species will continue to face declines this year.”
The tourism industry plays a major role in the protection of rhinos
The International Rhino Foundation’s executive director Nina Fascione says that the two species of African rhinos and other wildlife that reside in game reserves are dependent on protection and monitoring personnel for their continued safety.
She said that while state reserves had maintained salaries for rangers, they had cut many critical operational expenses, including fuel purchases and overtime pay, directly affecting the protection of the wildlife within the parks and reserves.
“Private reserves are dependent on tourism income and have had to make tough budget decisions. There is a growing fear that entire ranger teams may become ill or be forced to quarantine due to exposure to the coronavirus, removing essential staff from the field,” Fascione said.
As borders begin to open and the risk of poaching increases, therefore maintenance of protection and monitoring activities is essential.
