Protect and Save the life of Our Rhinos

Dear supporters,

Recently, GVI Karongwe’s science team has invested countless hours in an exciting new development for anti-poaching efforts on the reserve. We discovered a program called Digtrace, which enables you to input photographic images of tracks to create a moveable 3D image. Eventually we hope to create an ID kit for each individual on the property to enable us to identify these animals in their complete absence. This technique will be especially useful for certain individuals who intentionally avoid human and vehicle presence.

The search for the software stemmed from recent concerns about the location of a rhino mother and newborn calf who hadn’t been seen on the property for over 10 months. Attempts to search for them using evidence of their tracks was unsuccessful as the sound of our vehicles triggered motherly instincts. With such young offspring, rhino mothers are innately protective and will keep their young away from any potential threat or unusual noise. It was only in September of this year, a total of 10 months after her last confirmed sighting, that we finally positively identified this pair from a vehicle. Her calf was now almost a year old – an age where rhino calves are more capable of identifying and fleeing from danger.

It was an enormous relief to confirm that our entire rhino population was safe. But what could we do to ensure we wouldn’t experience such a worrisome time again? Digtrace was the answer! Our science team is working hard to collect enough images from the footprint our rhinos leave behind to compile these invaluable ID kits. To help us collect this data at a faster rate we are currently searching for wireless camera traps that provide downloadable real-time images. We will place these traps in areas where we are aware of rhino presence and will use these instant updates to visit sites of fresh tracks. These cameras will also be placed in identified hot-spot poaching areas – a potential huge leap forward for anti-poaching efforts on Karongwe. 

As you can imagine these traps are expensive, but incredibly worthwhile to ensure the protection of this iconic species. 

Thankyou for your ongoing support. 

Dear Supporters, 

The most important aspect of anti-poaching is an active and effective presence. To this end, recent funds raised have gone towards ensuring that the anti-poaching team on Karongwe can carry out missions across the reserve whether it's patrols, responding to suspicious activity or ambushes.

Anti-poaching fleet

With poaching incidences on the rise and individuals recently lost on neighbouring reserves, it is essential that our anti-poaching team have access to all resources necessary to complete their responsibilities as best they can. Their most valuable asset being mobility around the reserve. Daily patrols may require multiple vehicles depending on the nature of the day.

The team currently depend on a Land Cruiser and two quad bikes, all previously purchased using your donations, to enable regular movement around the reserve. These vehicles are at the heart of anti-poaching efforts here on Karongwe and without them, response time to suspicious activity is lengthened and fence breaks are not attended to promptly – leaving easy access with potentially horrific consequences. 

Ensuring that these vehicles are in working condition is one of our top priorities. The Land Cruiser allows for a small team to transport and navigate the roads of the reserve, as well as the roads outside the property. This vehicle is used for carrying a team for patrols, responses and planned ambushes. In addition to the Cruiser, individuals also use quad bikes to move around more cost effectively, carrying out tasks that only require one person, such as fenceline checks. A variety of vehicles means that increased eyes can keep a vigilant watch over the animals within the reserve, their main focus, of course, our threatened rhinos.

Update on the vehicles

During July funds were allocated towards general repairs and maintenance of all three vehicles. The Land Cruiser has recently been out of action due to mechanical issues. Thanks to donations these have been identified and rectified. The quad bikes have proven to be very effective and have become an invaluable part of the fleet, so recent donations were also used to for general services and new tyres. These routine but essential repairs ensure that the whole anti-poaching team is kept active.

Your ongoing support has helped create and expand the vigilant anti-poaching network on Karongwe. 
Thank you for your thoughtful and generous donations.

With Gratitude, 
GVI South Africa