We explore some significant developments and trends in rhino conservation in Africa over the last 20–30 years, focusing primarily on the recovery of near-extirpated populations. We trace the evolution and role of chemical capture, care, and transport mechanisms in population relocation and recovery. The shift from an ad hoc approach to a regular offtake guided by harvest theory for range expansion is highlighted. The chapter also underscores the impact of live sale and ownership of rhinos in South Africa, which encouraged private landowners to expand rhino populations onto privately owned land, aided by the hunting industry. The emergence of national and sub-national strategies and guidelines since 1999 has facilitated rhino conservation, enhanced by genetically informed management unit delineation. However, meeting the required standards for population restoration has been challenging for African governments due to growing socioeconomic obligations. This has led to innovative partnerships between state, private players, and communities, resulting in significant achievements for rhino conservation. Finally, the shift in the focus of illegal killing of rhino for its horn from East African rhino to the more abundant populations in southern Africa has been accompanied by the widespread adoption of technology to assist in their protection.

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Significant Developments and Major Trends in Rhino Conservation in Africa

  • Peter S. Goodman,
  • David Balfour,
  • Dave Cooper,
  • Richard H. Emslie,
  • Keryn Adcock

摘要

We explore some significant developments and trends in rhino conservation in Africa over the last 20–30 years, focusing primarily on the recovery of near-extirpated populations. We trace the evolution and role of chemical capture, care, and transport mechanisms in population relocation and recovery. The shift from an ad hoc approach to a regular offtake guided by harvest theory for range expansion is highlighted. The chapter also underscores the impact of live sale and ownership of rhinos in South Africa, which encouraged private landowners to expand rhino populations onto privately owned land, aided by the hunting industry. The emergence of national and sub-national strategies and guidelines since 1999 has facilitated rhino conservation, enhanced by genetically informed management unit delineation. However, meeting the required standards for population restoration has been challenging for African governments due to growing socioeconomic obligations. This has led to innovative partnerships between state, private players, and communities, resulting in significant achievements for rhino conservation. Finally, the shift in the focus of illegal killing of rhino for its horn from East African rhino to the more abundant populations in southern Africa has been accompanied by the widespread adoption of technology to assist in their protection.