 Reference Base  The future of elephant and rhino in Damaraland and Kaokoland |
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Clements, B., 1982. The future of elephant and rhino in Damaraland and Kaokoland. Newsletter of the Namibia Wildlife Trust 1982 Autumn: 1-2
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Organisations |
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All Rhino Species |
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The Namibia Wildlife Trust was formed in 1982 by a group of concerned conservationists who were alarmed by the wilful slaughter of game species in Namibia. A programme of protection was worked out for the large mammals of the arid desert areas - in particular the elephant, black rhino, giraffe and Hartman zebra, all of which occur outside proclaimed game reserves or parks in an area commonly known as Kaokoland and Damaraland. Once the Trust had been officially registered in April 1982 we then looked for support wherever we could find it.
It is time we acknowledged the aid and support given by the Peoples Trust for Endangered Species (United Kingdom), the Endangered Wildlife Trust (RSA) and the Wildlife Society of South West Africa which enabled our project to get underway. The Trust is also indebted to the Department of Nature Conservation for invaluable assistance in the translocation of game. Without the backing that the abovementioned organisations have given - there would not have been a Namibia Wildlife Trust.
The top priority of the Trust however is the immediate protection of the elephant and rhino which inhabit the desert areas east of the Skeleton Coast Park. It is an area of incredible scenic beauty not of any mining or agricultural potential and almost uninhabited by humans. It is thus ideal for conservation purposes and was in fact part of the original Etosha Game Reserve.
The groups of ivory and rhino poachers who have been operating in the area can only thwarted by continual patrolling and acute vigilance. We have put men in the field in four wheel drive vehicles as anti-poaching units to co-operate with the Department of Conservation in their patrols and fieldwork. At present there are three staf-members doing this work but the area to be covered is vast and it is hoped that further contributionss will be forthcoming to enable the Trust to employ a full team of fieldworkers and thus help ensure a future for the preciois wildlife of these areas. At the same time the Trust has combined educational work into the programme, which is being run by Garth Owen-Smith.
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