South African poaching update
 One rhino was poached every eight hours for its horn in South Africa last year. The official figures show that a shocking 1,215 rhinos were illegally killed in the country in 2014.
In a press briefing, Edna Molewa (the South African Minister of Environmental Affairs) outlined steps that are being taken to put a stop to the crisis, including translocations, proactive anti-poaching initiatives, use of forensic technology, increased arrests and prosecutions and international collaboration.
But more government commitment is needed to stop the crisis, especially in terms of arrests and sentencing. Visit our website to read more about what the latest figures mean.
Donate now to support South African rhinos >
How can piglets help conserve India’s rhinos?
 It’s not often that you associate piglets with rhino conservation! But these little creatures are being used as part of a community conservation programme to gain support for the protection of India’s Greater one-horned rhino.
The Indian Rhino Vision 2020, launched in 2005, aims to increase Assam’s rhino population to 3,000 by 2020. The programme involves rhinos being translocated to new protected areas, with the next planned reintroduction for Laokhowa-Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary early this year.
Save the Rhino is supporting two local community-based NGOs to work at the grassroots level at two sites, to implement livelihood and awareness activities through a small grants programme. For rhino conservation to be successful it is essential to work with the local communities living in the villages surrounding the rhino areas.
Read more about the programme >
Incredible Javan rhino footage!
 Last year, wildlife photographer Stephen Belcher travelled deep into the Ujung Kulon National Park on an expedition to capture the elusive Javan rhino on camera. Along with taking 14 fascinating high-quality photos, he also recorded film footage of the species which you can view in his must-watch short video.
Up until recently less than 50 Javan rhinos were thought to exist. However last year, a study using video camera traps yielded images of 58 (possibly as many as 61) individually identifiable rhinos, providing hope for the species’ recovery.
Watch the video > and find out more about Javan rhino conservation.
The human cost of the rhino poaching crisis
 Every day brave rangers across Africa and Asia are risking their lives to protect the world’s five rhino species. With the increasing involvement of ruthless criminal syndicates, today’s poaching gangs are armed and dangerous. The poaching crisis isn’t just affecting rhinos, it’s having a major impact on human lives also.
Click here to read an account from South Africa’s uMkhuze Reserve, where rangers encountered three armed poachers on Christmas day.
It’s a Valentine’s blind date – rhino style!
 Our cuddly rhinos are looking for love in the run up to Valentine’s Day. Check out our ‘Rhino Blind Date‘, and help Rihanna Rhino choose between her three horned suitors.
Spread the rhino love this Valentine’s Day, order your own cuddly rhino from our online shop today!
Order now >
We would love to hear your thoughts on all our stories and the work that we do, please comment on our website, facebook or twitter pages! Or why not get involved and become a member or help fundraise for one of our rhino conservation programmes?
Photo credits: Steve and Ann Toon, Sarah Nelson, Bill Konstant, Earth Touch News, |
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