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How the Southern White Rhino came back from extinction

The Southern White Rhinoceros is one of the largest and heaviest land animals in the world. With its immense body, large head, short neck, and broad chest, some individuals can reach an impressive weight of 4,500 kg. It also has one of the most impressive resurgence stories of all mammals, pulled away from the brink of extinction through intensive protection and translocation efforts.

Today, there are approximately 20,000 Southern White Rhinos worldwide, with around 840 residing in Kenya.  However, in the late 19th century as a result of intensive hunting and habitat loss, the Southern White Rhino was actually thought to be extinct in the wild. Until, in 1894, a small population was discovered in Southern Africa. Through dedicated breeding and translocation efforts, this magnificent creature has made a remarkable resurgence and stands as an example of conservation success.

History of the Southern White Rhino

Historically, the Southern White Rhino was extremely common in the bushveld lands south of the Zambezi River. Due to poaching, trophy hunting, and land clearance, the population was considered extinct until a group of around 50 Southern White Rhinos was found in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in South Africa. This discovery triggered an international effort to bring the species back from the brink of extinction.

Early 20th Century:

1900s: The Southern White Rhino population was reduced to around 50 individuals, all located in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in South Africa. This area became the last refuge for the species due to extensive hunting and habitat loss.

Mid-20th Century

1950s-1960s: Conservation efforts began in earnest, spearheaded by the Natal Parks Board (now Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife). Intensive protection and management led to a gradual increase in the population within Hluhluwe-iMfolozi.

1960s-1980s

Operation Rhino: Led by Dr. Ian Player and his team, this initiative involved the first successful translocations of white rhinos from Hluhluwe-iMfolozi to other areas. Rhinos were moved to restock former habitats and establish new populations. Key translocations included Kruger National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, and various private reserves in South Africa.

Late 20th Century

1980s-1990s: Continued translocation efforts expanded beyond South Africa. Rhinos were moved to countries like Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. These efforts were crucial in re-establishing white rhino populations in areas where they had been extinct for decades.

21st Century

2000s-Present: Translocation efforts have become more sophisticated, often involving international collaborations and advanced veterinary techniques. White rhinos have been introduced to several new locations, including:

Botswana: Okavango Delta and other reserves.

Zambia: North Luangwa National Park.

Kenya: Ol Pejeta Conservancy and other protected areas.

Uganda: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

In 2010, nine Southern White Rhinoceroses were imported from South Africa to Yunnan Province in southwestern China. They were initially kept in an animal wildlife park for quarantine and acclimatization. In March 2013, seven of these rhinos were relocated to Laiyanghe National Forest Park, a habitat where Sumatran and Javan rhinoceroses once roamed.

Global Population

Thanks to these extensive conservation and translocation efforts, the Southern White Rhino population has rebounded to around 18,000-21,000 individuals. While still under threat from poaching and habitat loss, the species’ recovery is a notable conservation success story.

New Challenges

The focus has shifted to ensuring genetic diversity, combating poaching with advanced technologies, and further expanding the range of the species through continued translocation and habitat protection. The translocation efforts from Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park have played a pivotal role in bringing the Southern White Rhino back from the brink of extinction, establishing sustainable populations across Africa and even in some parts of the world beyond the continent.

Protecting rhinos

At Tsavo Trust, we are dedicated to the protection of all rhino species that call the Tsavo Conservation Area home. The Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ) was established in 2008 as an unfenced, highly protected free-ranging area, and 19 founder black rhinos were introduced. This population has grown significantly over time , making the Tsavo rhino recovery one of the most successful and positive conservation stories in recent years.

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Black rhinos in the Intesive Protection Zone of Tsavo Conservation Area

Thanks to the intensive efforts of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), with support from Tsavo Trust, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and other conservation entities, the future is much brighter. Tsavo West NP now holds 18% of Kenya’s black rhinos, within the highly protected sanctuary.

The monumental international conservation collaboration to rescue Southern White Rhinos from the brink of extinction, alongside numerous other efforts to protect all rhino species, demonstrates that conservation works. With dedicated teams, unwavering support, and international funding, we can reverse the damage inflicted on Africa’s wildlife and ensure a thriving future for these majestic creatures.

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