Save the Rhino Trust

Background
Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) is an indigenous non-governmental organisation based in the Kunene region in the arid northwest of Namibia, founded in 1982 in response to the large scale poaching of rhino and other species of African wildlife for profit.

The Kunene region is home to the largest concentration of black rhino on earth and to survive on land that has no formal conservation status. It is also the only desert-specific population of black rhino in the world. Following two decades of work, SRT has teams of specialised trackers, research staff and game guards, as well as vehicles, animals and offices. It has a headquarters in the centre of the region that is a hub for local community involvement and enterprise, and is now one of the largest employers of indigenous people in the region. Most impressively, rhino numbers have more than doubled, from fewer than 60 in the early 80s to 146 as of the 2006 census - one of only two African countries to experience a net gain.

Camel Scouts
For millions of years the desert rhino and elephant have roamed the harsh desert plains and rugged mountains of one of the most isolated corners of Africa; northern Damaraland in Namibia. In more recent times these unique animals have been joined by a newcomer; the camels of the Save the Rhino Trust which are used to monitor and research the desert rhinos.

The Kunene region is divided into eight “Eco-zones”, each with varying topography, climate and nutrient availability. SRT employs four teams of game scouts to cover these regions on a monthly rotational basis, identifying and monitoring individual rhino as well as acting as a deterrent to poachers in the area. Each patrol consists of a small team of professional trackers from the local Damara community, their camels and a couple of loyal bush dogs. The patrols regularly go out into the most remote parts of the Palmwag Concession in search of the rare desert rhino. Using the camels they are able to reach areas that would be impossible to access by any other means (only 60% of the rhino’s range is accessible by vehicle), and under often very difficult conditions perform an absolutely invaluable service for SRT and the organisation’s conservation effort.

Although the Ministry of Environment and Tourism employs a Wildlife Protection Service (WPS) on communal farmland, the area requiring their attention is vast. The majority of their time is spent attending to problem animals (such as elephants and lions) on communal farms, and they simply do not have the resources to provide full protection across the rhino’s range. If SRT’s ranger presence was to cease, the rhino population would immediately become vulnerable, with every chance that poaching would again become a major threat.

Linking Conservation and Economic Development
As one of the largest employers in the Kunene region SRT continues to make an effort to link the conservation of the environment to the prosperity of the local community, ensuring reduction of human-wildlife conflict and long-term sustainability. The camel team project funded by Tusk employs eight community-based game guards, who live with their families. A training programme has been initiated to increase the game guards' abilities in handling rhino tours, on camel, vehicle or on foot. Additionally, the project promotes the handcrafts of the women and young people who cannot find employment. The camel station has staff houses, storage facilities for fodder and equipment, a small office with radio link, a water installation and a shop to sell their crafts.

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