Piercing horns. Thick armoured skins. Bodies that weigh tons. At first glance, you wouldn't realise rhinos, as strong as they look, are one of the world's most endangered species. Rhinos are at war, fighting a battle against poaching and habitat loss. As a proud partner of Save the Rhino International, Century 21 South Africa celebrates World Rhino Day (22 September). Use this as an opportunity to learn about their cause and ways to protect and preserve them for future generations.
Why are rhinos important?
As keystone species, rhinos have a disproportionately large impact on their ecosystems. They graze for hours on grassland, shaping the land and encouraging new vegetation growth for other herbivores. After eating, the dung they deposit as they wander their home ranges fertilises the soil. This helps plants grow, ensuring the survival of other species.
Rhinos are fond of wallowing in mud puddles. They help create natural waterholes and keep existing ones open. The fertile alluvial soil from this wallowing collects on rhinos and is distributed to other areas they visit.
Rhinos also help feed other species. They play host to ticks which are a source of food for animals like oxpeckers and terrapins.
Closer to home, rhinos are an important drawcard for tourism. In South Africa, for example, their 'Big Five' status attracts local and international visitors to parks and game reserves. This remains a huge source of income for local people.
As a symbol of strength, resilience, and tenacity, rhinos continue to inspire artists from all parts of the world and across all mediums. Since early rock art etchings, rhino depictions continue to dazzle in productions like Kung Fu Panda, Zootopia, and The Amazing Spider-Man 2.
Why are rhinos endangered?
Rhinos are poached for their horns; these are sought after for their use as a traditional medicinal ingredient in countries such as China and Vietnam. They are also seen as a status symbol of wealth and success.
Rhinos are also threatened by habitat loss. As more of the land they live on is used for agriculture, human settlements, and industry, they have less room to thrive. The limited space means fewer grazing spots and prevents them from wandering. Inevitably, this creates fragmented, smaller populations that are prone to genetic inbreeding.
How you can help save rhinos
Time is running out for rhinos. South Africa saw a 50% increase in the number of rhinos killed in the first six months of 2021 compared to the same period last year. World Rhino Day can kick-start your part in saving a rhino's life.
1. Donate: Save the Rhino International uses donations for rhino conservation projects, anti-poaching and monitoring patrols, environmental education programmes, veterinary work, and kits for rangers. By donating, either once-off or on a monthly basis, you can help create a world where rhinos thrive. You can even launch a fundraiser in your community.
2. Shop: Need a gift for someone special? Or simply want to show how much you love rhinos? Many rhino conservation organisations sell rhino-themed merchandise to fund their work. Save the Rhino International has a wonderful online shop filled with clothing, jewellery, toys, home decor, and more. A simple purchase will ensure rhinos stay around for longer.
3. Volunteer: You have skills. You have time. You have passion. All of these are needed by rhino conservation organisations. Whether it's providing help around the office, assisting with events, or promoting their initiatives, you will play a crucial role. You can even gain valuable experience and insight by paying to volunteer at a conservancy.
4. Visit: Very few rhinos survive in the wild by themselves. They depend on parks and nature reserves to keep them safe from all the threats they face. By visiting these places, you help support their existence. In South Africa, you can pop by the Kruger National Park, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, or Pongola Game Reserve to see these majestic creatures.
5. Watch: There are plenty of videos online with powerful conservation themes you can watch on the day. Baxu and the Giants (Netflix) tells the tale of a nine-year-old girl who witnesses how rhino poaching triggers social change in rural Namibia. Stroop: Journey into the Rhino Horn War (ShowMax) uncovers the heroic efforts made to stop poaching in South Africa.
6. Share: If you're reading this, you have access to the internet. There's no excuse not to read the news or sign up for rhino conservation newsletters and social media pages. Educate yourself about what's happening on the ground and spread what you learn with family and friends. You can spark a rhino revolution through your inner circles.
7. Support: Show some love to those that support rhino conservation. You can donate directly to a rhino conservation centre or join MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet and select a rhino conservation charity like the MyPlanet Rhino Fund or Saving the Survivors. Every time you shop at a participating retailer, a donation will be made on your behalf - at no cost to you. You can also support a business like Century 21 South Africa who donates funds and creates awareness for rhino conservation.
ABOUT CENTURY 21 SOUTH AFRICA
Century 21 South Africa is the country's leading real estate company. Their SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.™ property professionals help clients through every step of the buying, renting, or selling process. Since 2006, they've maintained a brand with high-end appeal using professional aesthetics, tools, and quality services.
ABOUT SAVE THE RHINO INTERNATIONAL
Save the Rhino International's vision is to see all five rhino species thriving in the wild for future generations. Save the Rhino International is a UK registered charity, number 1035072. www.savetherhino.org