News from the Pilanesberg Wildlife Trust
The unseen consequences of Rhino Poaching
The brutal killing of Rhinos for their horns obviously has deadly consequences for the animals involved, but a new disturbing situation has also started to appear.
After finding the Carcasses of 2 White Rhinos poached around the 28th of July 2011 no more carcasses have been found. And the game count over Pilanesberg has continued as per normal.
On Tuesday the 2nd of August 2011 the helicopter was flying over the area were the last 2 carcasses where found.
The sight that greeted the count team was both sobering and shocking.
Standing next to the lifeless bloody carcasses of her slain mother and presumably brother was a young White Rhino Calf.
The calf was in such shock that it did not even run off when the helicopter got lower to check on the state of it.
The calf is approximately 1-2 years old.
Although at this age the calf is capable of eating grass and surviving, it is literally defenseless against predators such as lions without its mother's protection. It would just be a matter of time before the large Lion Pride in that area found it and killed it.
The decision was made to dart the Calf and move it to a high security holding facility, and later decide on its future.
During the trip back to Park headquarters to retrieve the correct equipment for the Immobilization the Helicopter discovered another Dead White Rhino with yet another young calf standing next to it. Although shocking this was actually a bit of good fortune as both Rhino Calves would be darted and then housed together for company.
The reason for the death of the second White Rhino is not yet know?
The first Rhino was darted without much hassle but then began the real work, although still young the 2 Rhino calves weigh about 300kg each and we had to manhandle and coerce the Calves onto the back of a Parks Vehicle. The sight of a young rhino sitting and sometimes standing on the back of a vehicle proved to be rather humorous to several tourists we passed in the park.
Once the first Rhino was delivered the process started again with the second one.
Rhino are relatively gregarious animals and the fact that we now had 2 calves to keep each other company is hoped to relieve some of the stress that they are going through.
The Calf of the definitely Poached Rhino is slightly smaller than the other one but more than makes up for its small size with its aggressive temperament. The smaller calf is even fighting with the other calf and I can’t help but feel that the fact she witnessed her whole family get shot and then butchered has something to do with her aggressive attitude.
The latest findings of the calves makes one wonder how many other calves of Poached Rhinos have not been so lucky as to have been spotted and rescued and either just died or have been eaten.
After finding the Carcasses of 2 White Rhinos poached around the 28th of July 2011 no more carcasses have been found. And the game count over Pilanesberg has continued as per normal.
On Tuesday the 2nd of August 2011 the helicopter was flying over the area were the last 2 carcasses where found.
The sight that greeted the count team was both sobering and shocking.
Standing next to the lifeless bloody carcasses of her slain mother and presumably brother was a young White Rhino Calf.
The calf was in such shock that it did not even run off when the helicopter got lower to check on the state of it.
The calf is approximately 1-2 years old.
Although at this age the calf is capable of eating grass and surviving, it is literally defenseless against predators such as lions without its mother's protection. It would just be a matter of time before the large Lion Pride in that area found it and killed it.
The decision was made to dart the Calf and move it to a high security holding facility, and later decide on its future.
During the trip back to Park headquarters to retrieve the correct equipment for the Immobilization the Helicopter discovered another Dead White Rhino with yet another young calf standing next to it. Although shocking this was actually a bit of good fortune as both Rhino Calves would be darted and then housed together for company.
The reason for the death of the second White Rhino is not yet know?
The first Rhino was darted without much hassle but then began the real work, although still young the 2 Rhino calves weigh about 300kg each and we had to manhandle and coerce the Calves onto the back of a Parks Vehicle. The sight of a young rhino sitting and sometimes standing on the back of a vehicle proved to be rather humorous to several tourists we passed in the park.
Once the first Rhino was delivered the process started again with the second one.
Rhino are relatively gregarious animals and the fact that we now had 2 calves to keep each other company is hoped to relieve some of the stress that they are going through.
The Calf of the definitely Poached Rhino is slightly smaller than the other one but more than makes up for its small size with its aggressive temperament. The smaller calf is even fighting with the other calf and I can’t help but feel that the fact she witnessed her whole family get shot and then butchered has something to do with her aggressive attitude.
The latest findings of the calves makes one wonder how many other calves of Poached Rhinos have not been so lucky as to have been spotted and rescued and either just died or have been eaten.
Andrew Jackson
CEO
Pilanesberg Wildlife Trust.
Posted on 04 Aug 2011 by News Desk
Annual Game Count Reveals Shocking News
Every year the North West Parks and Tourism Board does a comprehensive Game count of all its reserves.
The reason for the Count is to get as accurate as possible totals of all the Wildlife in the parks. And with this information trends in population increase and decrease can be seen and informed decisions can be made with regards to the management of populations.
This time is waited on eagerly by the Parks staff as it an opportunity to view the park by the air and also the chance to see smaller more elusive Animals not often seen from vehicles.
This year the approach of the Game Count was not looked forward to as much as in the past, the reason being the increase in Rhino Poaching in South Africa including the Pilanesberg National Park.
Following the shocking discovery of Khutsi’s (the orphaned calf of Suzi the First Rhino poached in Pilanesberg) carcass Anti-Poaching efforts have been increased drastically.
On the Friday the 29th of July 2011 the true horror of Rhino Poaching was again revealed.
The carcasses of two White Rhino were spotted from the air in a remote part of the park. Horns hacked off with fresh blood staining the surrounding soil. The animals are judged to have been poached within 24hrs of finding the carcasses. The absolute brazenness of the poachers is clear as the Helicopter had been flying near to that area the day before.
The carcasses found were meters apart and following further investigation they were shot from about 20m away. The fact that the carcasses were so close together shows that after the first animal was shot the second one just stood around not knowing what was happening and subsequently slaughtered as well.
This now brings the total of Rhino Poached in Pilanesberg to 15!!!!
Despite having Anti-Poaching units active in Pilanesberg the slaughter still continues.
Currently the Pilanesberg Wildlife Trust is endeavoring to equip the staff with the necessary tools to combat poaching activities.
Due to the sensitivity of these operations please contact me directly to see what specific equipment is needed, every contribution may help to save the Rhino’s of Pilanesberg.
Andrew Jackson
CEO Pilanesberg Wildlife Trust.
ajackson@nwptb.co.za
014555 1622
073 421 1040
The reason for the Count is to get as accurate as possible totals of all the Wildlife in the parks. And with this information trends in population increase and decrease can be seen and informed decisions can be made with regards to the management of populations.
This time is waited on eagerly by the Parks staff as it an opportunity to view the park by the air and also the chance to see smaller more elusive Animals not often seen from vehicles.
This year the approach of the Game Count was not looked forward to as much as in the past, the reason being the increase in Rhino Poaching in South Africa including the Pilanesberg National Park.
Following the shocking discovery of Khutsi’s (the orphaned calf of Suzi the First Rhino poached in Pilanesberg) carcass Anti-Poaching efforts have been increased drastically.
On the Friday the 29th of July 2011 the true horror of Rhino Poaching was again revealed.
The carcasses of two White Rhino were spotted from the air in a remote part of the park. Horns hacked off with fresh blood staining the surrounding soil. The animals are judged to have been poached within 24hrs of finding the carcasses. The absolute brazenness of the poachers is clear as the Helicopter had been flying near to that area the day before.
The carcasses found were meters apart and following further investigation they were shot from about 20m away. The fact that the carcasses were so close together shows that after the first animal was shot the second one just stood around not knowing what was happening and subsequently slaughtered as well.
This now brings the total of Rhino Poached in Pilanesberg to 15!!!!
Despite having Anti-Poaching units active in Pilanesberg the slaughter still continues.
Currently the Pilanesberg Wildlife Trust is endeavoring to equip the staff with the necessary tools to combat poaching activities.
Due to the sensitivity of these operations please contact me directly to see what specific equipment is needed, every contribution may help to save the Rhino’s of Pilanesberg.
Andrew Jackson
CEO Pilanesberg Wildlife Trust.
ajackson@nwptb.co.za
014555 1622
073 421 1040
Posted on 04 Aug 2011 by News Desk
Rhino Poaching update
Khutsi Poached
Rhino Poaching in South Africa has shown no sign of letting up despite several arrests and even Poachers shot dead.
Rhino Poaching in South Africa has shown no sign of letting up despite several arrests and even Poachers shot dead.
Posted on 01 Jun 2011 by News Desk
Aardvark sightings
The very rare sighting of two aardvark were reported within a few days between 28 November ands 3 December 2010.
The map from the ParkView project shows the location of the aardvark.
The map from the ParkView project shows the location of the aardvark.
Posted on 03 Dec 2010 by News Desk
Wild Dog Update
Hunters extraordinaire.
For the last few months the Wild Dog pack has been doing its usual routine of sticking on the fence line, and sightings have been few and fleeting.
We received a few reports that there have only been 6 Dogs seen but were unable to confirm this as by the time we got to the location they had already moved off.
Posted on 20 Nov 2009 by News Desk
Rhino’s - Which Rhino is that?
Rhino numbers have decreased rapidly throughout their range but South Africa has made huge steps in halting this downward trend and numbers have increased dramatically in the last 20 years.
When driving around the Park I often encounter guests at sightings and the most common asked question is if I knew where any Lions where, but recently I have fielded many questions as to which species of Rhino the guests had seen or where watching.
The differences between the Black and White Rhino are numerous and we often take it for granted that all are aware of them, but lately I have realized that differences as not that obvious to all.
Hence I will try and point out some useful tip on how to tell them apart.
Posted on 18 Aug 2009 by News Desk
Visitor Conduct in Pilanesberg
Read the rules they are for your own safety.
Posted on 18 May 2009 by News Desk
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