Rhino Conservation Insights Across Continents

On this special day, we honor these magnificent animals and the individuals and organisations working tirelessly to protect them. From the arid deserts of Namibia to the lush forests of India, David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) has been at the forefront of rhino conservation efforts since 1984.

In this blog, we take you behind the scenes with experts from Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) in Namibia, Aaranyak in India, and DSWF team members in the UK. Through their personal stories and experiences, we gain insights into the challenges faced by rhinos and explore what inspires conservationists to dedicate their lives to this critical cause.

Passion for Conservation: What Drives These Experts?

What inspired you to pursue a career in wildlife conservation?

For many conservationists, a profound love for nature is the spark that ignites a lifelong commitment to protecting endangered species. Lawrence, Head of Programmes and Policy at DSWF, recalls a defining moment during his time in Kenya:

“While living in Kenya, I had the opportunity to visit the last two northern white rhinos, a powerful moment which brought home to me the real and imminent danger of extinction faced by so many species”.

Lawrence’s experiences in Kenya and Namibia fuelled his desire to work for an organisation that supports both wildlife and local communities. He adds, “These experiences inspired me to work in conservation, and specifically to work for an organisation that funds projects on the ground that both protect wildlife and supports the communities that live alongside them. I love seeing the direct impact that DSWF funding can have on both people and wildlife.”

Similarly, Roddy, DSWF’s Chief Operating Officer, was inspired by his studies in zoology. He marvelled at how rhinos have adapted to vastly different environments across two continents:

“[The idea that] animals as seemingly odd and cumbersome as rhinos could adapt across two massive continents to fulfil niches in completely different environments and habitats, from savannas to forests to deserts was mind-boggling for me, and kickstarted a thirst for a greater understanding of animals like these, and consequently how we could protect them”

In Namibia, Lorna, Programme & Partnership Development Assistant, was deeply influenced by her work with local communities. She began her career as a conservancy manager and found that collaborating with these communities was key to conservation success. She shares, “Working closely with local communities and witnessing their passion for wildlife sparked my interest in conservation… There’s immense fulfilment in knowing that our efforts are helping to protect these magnificent species and make a lasting impact.”  

Over in India, Bibhab, CEO of DSWF’s field partner Aaranyak, started his conservation journey working with native species like the golden langur before focusing on rhinos in Assam. Since 1994, his efforts have expanded to include anti-poaching initiatives, such as launching India’s first K9 sniffer dog unit to protect rhinos. For Bibhab, the fieldwork itself is the reward:

“I love to work in the field, as every day becomes a new day with new experience and knowledge gained. Building skills in younger generation to shoulder conservation responsibilities makes me happy.”

From the UK to Namibia and India, these conservationists share a common goal: saving rhinos from extinction. Their paths to conservation may differ, but their love for the natural world unites them in their mission.

The Biggest Threats Facing Rhinos Today

What are the main threats to rhino survival, and how are conservation efforts tackling them?

Across Africa and Asia, poaching is the single greatest threat to rhino populations. In Namibia, poaching incidents have surged in 2024, particularly in Etosha National Park, home to the largest population of black rhinos. Rhino poaching incidences in Etosha National Park have quadrupled during the first quarter of 2024. Lorna explains,“Although we did not have poaching for the period August 2020 to December 2023, beginning of 2024 flagged a resurgence of poaching within the landscape we operate in”.

In India, the threat is equally dire. Bibhab has spent decades combating poaching in Assam’s national parks. His innovative strategies include floating boat camps along the Brahmaputra River and employing K9 sniffer dogs to track poachers and investigate crime scenes. “In 2011 with support from DSWF, I took initiative to launch the first K9 sniffer dog unit to support rhino bearing areas to investigate the scene of crime leading to arrest of many culprits.” These K9 dogs are an effective tool in for anti-poaching efforts because of their remarkable ability to track poachers, detect wildlife products, and investigate crime scenes.

Bibhab also explains how exploding populations, shrinking landscapes, a changing climate, and the commodification of wildlife across both Africa and Asia are increasingly lethal threats to rhinos. “The future of rhino conservation will always be challenging due to the demand for horn in illegal international markets”.

Beyond poaching, shrinking habitats, population growth, and climate change pose additional challenges to rhino conservation. Roddy warns against the dangers of treating wildlife as a commodity:

“Conservation strategies are fraught with nuance, and rarely does everyone agree on the best way forward, however we need to resist the urge to put a price on horn as a commodity to be traded, or else we risk undoing many decades of positive work that has been done at both global and grassroots levels.”

The urgency of addressing these issues cannot be overstated, as the pressures on rhino populations continue to grow.

The Future of Rhino Conservation: Challenges and Hope

What does the future hold for rhino conservation, and are there reasons to be optimistic?

Despite the challenges, there are reasons to be hopeful. Roddy points to the success of Namibia’s desert-adapted black rhinos:

“For hope, look no further than the desert-adapted black rhinos of northern Namibia. Roaming wild on community-owned land without fences, these rhinos are some of the last truly wild rhinos on earth. They are also a stable population and have managed to avoid the worst of the poaching epidemic.”

Lawrence highlights a significant area for progress:

“The reintroduction of rhinos to places where they once roamed gives me hope, as does some emerging evidence that demand for rhino horn is reducing.” But warns that “Much more needs to be done, both at an international policy level in conventions like CITES, and at a community level by providing far more support to communities living in rhino habitat.”

In India, Bibhab remains cautiously optimistic. While the future of rhino conservation is challenging due to the ongoing demand for rhino horn, he envisions growth for the Greater One-Horned Rhino population in India and Nepal. “I hope with continued efforts the population of Greater One Horned Rhino in India and Nepal should touch 5000 by 2033” – an increase of approximately 35%, up from 3,700 in 2024.

Lorna dreams of a future where sustainable practices and community engagement lead to thriving free-roaming rhino populations across Namibia:

“We envision a future where free-roaming rhino populations increase throughout Namibia. Our approach continues to focus on long-term sustainability of the programme, community engagement, and innovative conservation strategies”.

How You Can Help Save Rhinos

As we celebrate World Rhino Day, it’s crucial to remember that everyone can play a part in rhino conservation. You can make a difference by adopting a rhino or donating to support critical efforts like anti-poaching initiatives, habitat restoration, and community engagement.

Together, we can turn the tide and secure a future where rhinos continue to roam the wild, not just for today but for generations to come.