Walker, C.H., 1994. Rhinos in Africa - the present situation.: pp. 1-3
 | In: Penzhorn, B.L. et al. Proceedings of a symposium on rhinos as game ranch animals. Onderstepoort, Republic of South Africa, 9-10 September 1994: pp. i-iv, 1-242 |
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| Location: |
Africa - Southern Africa - South Africa |
| Subject: |
Distribution - Records |
| Species: |
White Rhino |
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In 1929, probably less than 100 white rhinoceroses survived in the Zululand reserves of the Umfolozi/Hluhluwe Complex. Those were all that remained of the once great numbers of rhino inhabiting the South African bushveld regions. Shot to the brink of extinction by hunters, traders and sportsmen, rhino nevertheless miraculously survived in this small pocket and once protection was in place, their numbers crept up to an estimated 437 by 1953. That same year, Ian Player, today a patron of the Rhino & Elephant Foundation and at the time employed by the Natal Parks Board, carried out an aerial survey in the Umfolozi Game Reserve which revealed that there was a danger of too many of these great creatures inhabiting the sanctuary. His recommendation to begin removing some eventually led to the translocation of more than 3000 white rhino to government and private reserves in Southern Africa and to many zoos around the world. This very effort ensured the survival of the white rhino and, at the same time, placed an economic value on the animal. Today, one can expect to pay up to R50 000 for a trophy bull or breeding cow.
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Rhinos in Africa - the present situation.
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