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RhiNEWS July 2014, bringing you rhino updates from around the globe Is this email not displaying correctly?
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JULY 2014 On Wednesday 16 July, Save the Rhino will be moving to new office premises. Please take note of our new address below. This month, we bring you global updates on top-level initiatives to tackle the international trafficking of rhino horn, including the latest reports from Vietnam and Mozambique to CITES, along with action from NGOs in the USA to crack down on the smuggling of rhino horn.
Plus, don’t miss an interesting blog post from Natasha Anderson from the Lowveld Rhino Trust in Zimbabwe on how to spot the differences between black and white rhino footprints!
We’re moving!
After 13 years in our current rhino office, we will be moving to new premises on Wednesday 16 July. Please take note of our new address for future correspondence:
Save the Rhino International
Unit 5, 217 Long Lane
London
SE1 4PRThe office will be closed during the week beginning Monday 14 July while we move, so we will be unable to respond to phone or email enquiries. Our phone and email details will remain the same after the move.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this busy time!
CITES update on global rhino protection
As South Africa announces that it has lost 558 rhinos to poaching so far this year (as at 10 July), experts from around the globe are gathering for the 65th meeting of the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) Standing Committee meeting. The rhino focus has very much been on three countries; South Africa, Mozambique and Vietnam.
Vietnam’s report highlighted some encouraging progress by the country to tackle its role as the number one destination of illegal rhino horn. Vietnam has taken many steps over the past year including Government-level Directives, the issuance of several new or revised laws and regulations, improved judicial guidance on prosecutions and the initiation of a rhino horn demand reduction programme.
On the other hand, Mozambique submitted a late report, lacking in detail. Submissions to CITES say that Mozambique continues to be a key country in relation to rhino poaching and illegal rhinoceros horn trade. The country has taken some action including the provision of new equipment to field rangers, the establishment of an “Intensive Protection Zone” along the length of the border with Kruger National Park, and increased cross border co-operation. However, it is clear that criminal syndicates remain active in Mozambique, with limited penalties issued to offenders. Less than 3% of fines related to poaching have been paid, demonstrating that improvement in the judicial system is urgently required.
Click here to read the full story.
‘Operation Crash’ & the Pelly Amendment
In early July, the International Rhino Foundation (IRF) and the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) in the USA announced they are petitioning the Obama Administration to impose trade sanctions against Mozambique in response to the country’s role in the current rhino poaching crisis.
Under the Pelly Amendment to the U.S. Fishermen’s Protective Act President Obama is authorised to impose trade sanctions against any countries seen to be undermining an international conservation agreement. It is an important piece of national conservation legislation that has previously been used to successfully tackle the illegal wildlife trade in South Korea and Taiwan.
Mozambican poachers are thought to be involved in 80-90 percent of rhino poaching incidents in the Kruger-Limpopo National Parks.
Also in the USA, agents from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service are continuing their arrests and prosecutions as part of ‘Operation Crash’. So far 18 people have been arrested for their involvement in the trafficking rhino horns, predominantly for smuggling rhino horn through taxidermy websites, auction houses and through personal contacts in the USA and shipping it to China and Vietnam.
Click here to read the full story on how the USA is tackling the trafficking of rhino horn.
What is the difference between black and white rhino footprints?
Have you ever wondered if it is possible to tell the difference between black and white rhino footprints?
In this blog post, Natasha Anderson, from the Lowveld Rhino Trust, gives some top tracking tips on differentiating the two species.
Click here to read the article.
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 programmes
Photo credits: Steve and Ann Toon, Lowveld Rhino Trust,
Save the Rhino’s 21st Birthday Celebration
London
Marking 21 years since we were founded, Save the Rhino will be holding a Birthday Celebration on Friday 7 November. Save the date and join us for the festivities at the Great Halls, Vinopolis in London.
Watch this space for more details.
Moroccan Three Summits
Morocco
The three highest mountains in North Africa are all located in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, a vast massif stretching 450 miles from the Algerian border to the Atlantic Ocean. You will summit all three during this tough 10-day challenge.Email laura@savetherhino.org for more information
Association of Private Land Rhino Sanctuaries
We recently sent £8,705 to the Association of Private Land Rhino Sanctuaries in Kenya, for its black rhino emergency fund, which pays out half of the costs arising from treatment required for injuries sustained in poaching attempts or in-fighting. The other half is paid by the sanctuary concerned.
This award was made possible thanks to grants of £5,000 from Chester Zoo; £2,500 from the Swire Charitable Trust; £1,000 from the Lotus Foundation and supporter Matt Todd.
Click here for more recent grants.
rhino’s energy GmbH Thank you rhino’s energy GmbH for kindly donating €1,152 from company and staff fundraising. Their donation will support the conservation education programme Lolesha Luangwa in Zambia, Africa. Click here to find out more about rhino’s energy GmbH and our partnership together.
Red Hen Creative Thank you to Red Hen, a free range creative marketing agency, for providing pro-bono design support for Save the Rhino’s fundraising materials. Click here to learn more about Red Hen’s marketing portfolio online.
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