An ambitious plan to rewild 2,000 southern white rhinos into secure protected areas across Africa over the next decade has officially begun. This initiative, known as “Rhino Rewild,” is organized by African Parks. The first step of this extensive effort has seen 40 of these majestic beasts relocated to a new home at the Munywana Conservancy in Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
This monumental project follows the recent acquisition of the 2,000 southern white rhinos from a private owner, a multi-millionaire with a dream of preserving these animals. His vision was to harvest their horns and flood the illegal rhino horn trade to reduce the price and disincentivize poaching. However, due to financial constraints and the inability to secure an exception from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) for the sale of rhino horn, he had to auction off his entire collection of rhinos.
The Munywana Conservancy, the new home for these rhinos, has a rich historical background. In 2007, over 20,000 acres of land were returned to its ancestral owners, the Makhasa and Mnqobokazi communities, as part of South Africa’s land restitution process. These communities chose to maintain the land for conservation purposes, resulting in the establishment of the Munywana Conservancy, which now spans 79,000 acres (29,866 hectares). The conservancy is managed through a collaboration between the local community and private landowners.
“We are extremely pleased to receive these 40 rhinos from African Parks, to supplement the current population of white rhinos at our community conservancy,” said Thokozani Mlambo, Chairperson of the Makhasa Trust, one of the primary shareholders of the Munywana Conservancy. “We see this as recognition of the important role that community-owned land plays in conservation, and we are proud to be collaborating in such a significant partnership to rewild rhinos across our continent.”
The white rhino species is under extreme pressure due to poaching and habitat loss. These animals play a crucial role in their ecosystems, shaping savannahs, which store approximately 30% of the world’s terrestrial carbon. Where rhinos thrive, there is an increase in both flora and fauna, making them vital for ecosystem renewal. The southern white rhino population, which dwindled to an all-time low of between 30 to 40 individuals in the 1930s, had been brought back to approximately 20,000 by 2012 through effective conservation measures. However, the need for secure habitats remains critical.
The Munywana Conservancy offers a safe environment to support the rewilding of these animals. This move not only enhances the genetic diversity of the current rhino population at Munywana but also aids future translocations to other locations and supports tourism—a significant driver of the local economy.
“On behalf of the government of South Africa, we were very supportive of African Parks’ plan to purchase and rewild these rhinos and remain a key partner in providing technical and scientific advice and the support needed to carry out this conservation solution in South Africa and on the African continent,” said Ms. Barbara Creecy, the South African Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment.
To ensure a successful transition, the animals’ body condition and adaptation to parasites will be closely monitored as they adjust to their new environment. The conservancy will also implement intensive security measures to ensure the safety of the 40 dehorned rhinos.
“We believe that both African Parks and Munywana have the same ethos and guiding principles when it comes to conservation. In that spirit, Munywana has gladly accepted this donation, enabling these rhinos to commence the process of becoming fully wild and free-roaming,” said Dale Wepener, Munywana Warden & Conservation Manager.
The funding for this translocation was generously provided by the Aspinall Foundation, with additional support from The Wildlife Emergency Fund.
“We recognize the magnitude and logistical feat of moving 2,000 rhinos. This is just the beginning of a long-term partnership with African Parks, where we can play our part in making a tangible contribution to the future of the southern white rhino in Africa,” said Damian Aspinall, chairman of WeWild Africa.
The Rhino Rewild project represents a significant step forward in the conservation of the southern white rhino, aiming to establish secure habitats across Africa. By rewilding these rhinos, the project not only ensures the survival of the species but also contributes to the overall health and diversity of African ecosystems. With continued support and collaboration, the dream of a thriving rhino population across the continent can become a reality.
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