South Africa is home to nearly 80% of the world's rhinos. And they're at war. Their horn, a sought-after item, makes them a constant mark for poachers. In the past decade, more than 8,000 rhinos were killed, dropping numbers of an already endangered species.
Rangers are at the front line of protecting these armoured giants - even when they become a target for poachers themselves. John Abada (not his real name) works as a Section Ranger at a reserve in South Africa. Operating behind the scenes, Abada is driven by a deep passion for protecting these iconic animals and their habitat.
Importance of rhino conservation
"Rhinos are magnificent in themselves," says Abada. "But, they're also champions of the incredible wild landscapes in which they live."
"They are 'umbrella species' - they roam large habitats that are also home to many other forms of wildlife, from elephants and leopards to insects and birds.
"These diverse habitats are robust and resilient, which in a rapidly changing world provide not only a sanctuary to the wildlife living within them, but also stability and security to the human communities living in and around them."
Rhinos are also an important part of South Africa's wildlife tourism. It's projected that this sector contributed R145.3 billion to the country's GDP last year. As part of the popular Big Five, rhinos play a huge role in stimulating local and international tourism.
Role of rangers in rhino conservation
Thanks to the efforts of rangers like Abada, rhinos are given the protection they deserve. These experts patrol rhino conservation areas, identify individual rhinos, differentiate each one through their unique characteristics while remaining on guard and ready to respond if poachers attack.
As a Section Ranger, Abada coordinates all rhino monitoring and anti-poaching efforts within his designated area of the reserve. Typically, it can take a lot out of him and his team.
"Our job is very challenging", says Abada. "Sometimes, we lack enough funds to purchase more resources and shortages of staff can seriously affect our law enforcement operations, as we deal with anti-poaching patrols on a daily basis."
"At our reserve, we have to react to a number of incursions on a daily basis. We deal with suspects setting off snares, hunting with dogs, vulture poisoning, illegal poaching of rhinos, or illegal rebuking of trees."
World Rhino Day and rhino conservation
World Rhino Day spotlights the challenges rhinos face on a daily basis. Abada encourages the public to use the day to learn more about their situation and join the fight against poaching.
"They are incredible creatures, and we're doing everything we can to protect them", says Abada. "But, we can't do it alone - we need everyone's support."
Abada points to these ways you can ensure a future where rhinos are alive and thriving:
- Share the message that poaching is wrong.
- Never support the illegal wildlife trade by buying illicit wildlife products like rhino horns.
- Help fund essential items that rangers use each day - items like boots and uniforms get worn down quickly because of their long daily patrols.
- Donate funds to rhino conservation organisations like Save the Rhino International.
Century 21 supports rhino conservation
Century 21 South Africa has joined Save the Rhino International in the fight against poaching. Throughout 2020-21, their team of property professionals will be raising funds to protect rhinos and their habitats, as well as supporting dedicated rangers like Abada who are protecting them.
Century 21 South Africa has pledged to donate a minimum of €10,000 to support rhino conservation through the campaign, an incredible commitment to help protect the world's shared natural heritage.
According to Michaela Butorova, Partnerships Manager at Save the Rhino International, the public response has been overwhelming.
"It's been fantastic to see the positive response to the campaign from Century 21 South Africa's clients and agents and follow the engagement with social media posts online.
"Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has delayed our campaign and we had to postpone some of our planned activities. We look forward to fully commencing our campaign again in October and getting everyone involved with the cause."
Butorova emphasises the need for people to follow in Century 21 South Africa's footsteps and get involved in rhino conservation.
"We are delighted to work with Century 21 South Africa to support rhino conservation efforts around the world. Thanks to the help of partners like Century 21 South Africa, we can continue providing vital resources to anti-poaching initiatives across Africa and Asia to stop rhino poaching and create a future where rhinos can thrive in the wild.
"The situation is urgent and more people need to know about poaching and how we can protect rhinos. They are incredible creatures, and we're doing everything we can to protect them. But we can't do it alone, we need everyone's support to be 'Stronger Together'!"
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