Printable Version of Topic Click here to view this topic in its original format

Rhino Resource Center: Rhino Forums > Rhino Species > Black Rhino > Green Renaissance

Posted by: Kees Jan 29 2011, 01:03 AM

Here is a new video on black rhino conservation http://www.greenrenaissance.co.za/ The following information was added by the producers: Rhino's are critically Endangered Driven by a spirit of commitment, Mazda reaches out far beyond its vehicles, showrooms and factories, by nurturing the nation's wildlife through the Mazda Wildlife Fund. Since 1990, the company has invested over R26 million into the Fund, and is committed to a future investment of R1,5 million per year, contributing towards a multitude of scientific endeavours critical for the survival of our planet in areas such as education, conservation and research. Currently Mazda Wildlife Fund supports 30 non-government and non-profit organization projects with 30 vehicles, covering aspects of conservation, research and environmental education. This year Mazda has decided to take this commitment a step further by creating media content that profiles these environmental organizations to help generate awareness and support around the admirable work that they are doing. Mazda will be issuing a press release shortly about their new campaign. In effect these short films are not adverts but compelling short stories to generate awareness. Dr Jacques Flamand, the main character in the film, is the WWF project leader of the Black Rhino Range Expansion Project. Here is some backround information about the Black Rhino Range Expansion Project: The critically endangered black rhino continued to expand into its historical range when a founder population of 13 animals was released on to a new home in Limpopo province recently. The animals form the sixth founder population created through the WWF/ Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Black Rhino Range Expansion Project. “All went well with the translocation and release,” said WWF project leader Dr Jacques Flamand. “The new area had a lot of rain soon after we released which means there will be good browse and water. The animals have settled well after spending a few days exploring the area.” The recent surge in rhino poaching underlines the importance of conservation initiatives like the Black Rhino Range Expansion Project, Dr Flamand explained. “There are two sides to good rhino conservation. One is intensive security for existing populations. The other is managing to make sure that your population grows as fast as possible. If you do not manage for high population growth rate, then effectively over time you are losing a lot of animals that could have been born. Rapid population growth rate can mean the difference between survival and extinction for a critically endangered species.” 98 black rhino have been translocated through the Black Rhino Range Expansion Project so far, and at least 26 calves have been born on project sites. One site already has 11 calves, and 10 calves have been born in 2010. “We wanted a minimum of 5% growth per year, and now we’re reaching more than 7% on some of our project sites, which is very good to see,” says Dr Flamand. “Also, indications are that the growth rate is improving on source populations such as Imfolozi, which was a concern before.” There are currently about 4500 black rhino left in Africa, up from the lowest point of about 2100 in the early 1990s. Black rhino have a reputation for being bad-tempered but in fact are just shy and nervous of strangers. New research suggests they have social structures that were previously not recognised. The Black Rhino Range Expansion Project aims to increase land available for black rhino conservation, thereby increasing numbers of this critically endangered species. This is done by forming partnerships with landowners with large areas of black rhino habitat. Usually several landowners agree to remove internal fences in order to create large enough areas to hold a significant population of black rhino. The Project also supports security measures on important black rhino source populations. The Black Rhino Range Expansion Project is a partnership between WWF and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, and is supported by the Mazda Wildlife Fund. Mazda Wildlife Fund - http://www.mazda.co.za/servlet/ContentServer?cid=1163402356521&pagename=Page&c=DFYPage&site=MSA This film was produced by Green Renaissance- www.greenrenaissance.co.za