Brooks, M., 1993. Chairman's report: African Rhino Specialist Group. Pachyderm 16: 3-6, tables 1-2
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All Rhino Species |
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The first meeting of the newly reconstituted African Rhino Specialist Group which was convened at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, from 17-22 November 1992, was attended by 33 members and observers. It provided a forum for the frank exchange of information and ideas on a wide range of issues ranging from captive breeding and genetics to a variety of fairly controversial alternative conservation strategies, such as dehorning safaris, trophy hunting and the option for legalising trade.
The main aims of the meeting were, however, to review the status and trends of the rhino populations in Africa, to identify the most important populations, and to identify the priority conservation projects requiring funding in advance of UNEP's Rhino Range States and Donors' meetings.
Priority conservation projects
The critical situation of Africa's rhinos and the limited extent of funds potentially available from the international community required the group to be very selective when identifying priorities. Project proposals were rated as either 'Priority', -Important' or 'Other', and where possible detailed Project descriptions and funding applications were completed.
The 'Priority' projects or programmes were those considered essential to secure the survival of the various rhino subspecies in Africa, and which required international funding. These are listed below:
1. The conservation of the western black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis longipes in Cameroon. [Dr S. Gartlan, WWF].
2. Monitoring and protection of Diceros bicornis in Damaraland/Kaokoland, Namibia. [B. Loutit, Save the Rhino Trust].
3. Design of strategy to develop a sanctuary in Damaraland, Namibia. [B. Loutit, Save the Rhino Trust].
4. Upgrading of the anti-poaching unit. [Dr E. Joubert, Dept of Wildlife, Conservation and Tourism].
5. Pilot project to evaluate a variety of highly sophisticated fencing/remote sensing security systems in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park, Natal. [A. Conway, Natal Parks Board].
6. Neighbour cooperation and fencing project, Mkuzi Game Reserve, Natal. [T. M. Scheepers, Natal Parks Board].
7. Equipment requirements for antipoaching units in key rhino reserves in Zululand, Natal. [A. Conway, Natal parks Board].
8. Monthly aerial survey of specific areas in Kruger National park where rhinoceros poaching is prevalent. [D. J. Pienaar, National Parks Board].
9. Development of a DNA typing method toestablishindividualspeci c ngerprinting and forensic identity between rhino carcass tissue and rhino horn.[Prof. A. S. Greeff, Dept of Microbiological Pathology, Medunsal.
10. The development of a reliable and repeatable ante mortem diagnosis test of tuberculosis infections in black and white rhino. [Dr J. P. Raath, National Parks Board].
11. Revision of the 'Conservation Plan for the black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis in South Africa and Namibia'. [Dr P. M. Brooks, Rhino Management Group].
12. Development of an Action Plan for the black rhinoceros in Tanzania, and its implementation. [E. Severre, Wildlife Division, Tanzania].
13. Supplementary support for development of the anti-poaching capability, Garamba National Park, Zaire. [F. Smith (WWF), M. Mesi (IZCN), Dr K. Hillman-Smith (WWF), Dr M. Atalia (IZCN)].
14. Supplementary support for rhino monitoring and research developments, Garamba National Park, Zaire. [Dr K. Hillman-Smith (WWF), Dr M. Atalia (IZCN), F. Smith (WWF), M. Mesi (IZCN).
15. Monitoring and research in black rhino intensive protection zones, Zimbabwe. [R. B. Martin, Dept of National Parks and Wildlife Management].
16. Analysis of supply/demand/speculation/ black market trading factors under different trading regimes. [Dr Tom Milliken, TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa].
17. Far and Middle East Trade Studies. [Dr Tom Milliken, TRAFFIC East/Southem Africa].
18. African trade studies. [DrTom Milliken, TRAFFIC East/Southem Africa].
19. Potential and realised resource value of African rhinos. [Dr Tom Milliken, TRAFFIC East/Southem Affica].
20. Contingency fund for dehorning expertise. [Dr M. Kock, Dept ofnational Parks and Wildlife Management, Zimbabwe].
21. Biochemical studies for black rhino management. [R. du Toit, WWF/Dept of National Parks and Wildlife Management, Zimbabwe].
22. Operating budget for African Rhino Specialist group. [Dr P. M. Brooks, ARSG].
23. Workshop and handbook on Africa rhino survey techniques. [Dr R. Brett Hon. Richard Emslie - coordinators].
To be eligible, a project had to be linked to 'Key' population, unless dealing with trade or regional/continental concern. This linking o quality with the most valuable and protectable populations was designed to ensure the most effective use of international funds. 'Important' projects, ofwhich 16 were identified, were those considered to be of significant value to rhino conservation, but which should not be supported by the international community in preference to those rated as priorities; while those projects rated in the 'Other' category were considered to be of only limited value. Further details on all these projects may be obtained from the ARSG Chairman.
The following projects were earmarked for special ARSG attention during 1993:
A. The conservation of the western black rhinoceros Diceros hicornis longipes in Cameroon.
B. Development of an Action Plan for the black rhinoceros in Tanzania, and its implementation.
C. Employment of a Scientific Officer for African Rhino Specialist Group.
D. Workshop and handbook on African rhino survey techniques.
E. Analysis of supply/demand/speculation/ black market trading factors under different trading regimes.
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Chairman's report: African Rhino Specialist Group
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