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| Location: |
Africa - Southern Africa - Swaziland |
| Subject: |
Distribution - Records |
| Species: |
Black Rhino |
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Reintroduction of Diceros bicornis from Zimbabwe. Since the early 1960s, we have been trying to acquire black rhino to re-establish the species in Swaziland. In those early years, Swaziland had not yet fully established its bona fides in the conservation arena, and more latterly was not considered a priority area for the species, which was in rapid decline generally throughout its range. However, as the situation deteriorated elsewhere in Africa and the plight of the rhino worsened to critical levels, Swaziland became an attractive possibility for establishing another nucleus of rhino to decrease the risk of extinction. In 1977 plans to re-introduce 12 black rhino front Zimbabwe broke down because the South African veterinary authorities would not grant 'in traiisit' permits for the animals, as the war of independence had caused the collapse of veterinary control. Following the return of stability, to Zimbabwe after the war, efforts were immediately renewed to acquire black rhino.
A prerequisite for the translocation is a site inspection, and WWF generously sponsored a visit by a rhino expert from Zimbabwe. The expert was shown Hlane and Mkaya; Mlazula was ruled out because of its proximity to Mozambique. Of the two parks, the experts insisted that Mkhaya was where the rhino should be placed because of its more suitable habitat and higher security facilities; Hlane could be stocked later. He felt it would be wrong to weaken the initial introduction by dividing it (as had been intended with 12 animals). Mkhaya also had superior management and expertise.
The operation was purposeful kept quiet to prevent anything from happening to spoil it, and so as not to attract the attention of poachers. We wanted the rhino to settle in with as little commotion as possible until they were accustomed to their new environment. We can now report that this has indeed happened.
On 28 December 1987, our team of rangers met the Zimbabwean officials at Beit Bridge and led them through the night to Swaziland, where they crossed the border on the morning of the 29th. That afternoon the six black rhinos (two males and four females) arrived at Mkhaya - safely but very aggressively.
Each was named by our Swazi rangers who were thoroughly absorbed by the whole operation. The larger bull got dubbed ?Mayaluka' - the one who cannot stand still. Then there was ?Kakayi' the hard-headed one; ?Fecele' - the scorpion, named for his tail which curls back like a scorpion's every time he sees you; ?Manyovu' - the hornet, a very aggressive and active female and the smallest of the six; ?Mbabatane' - stinging nettle, another small heifer with a belligerent nature, and finally there was ?Lungile' - the all-right one because, compared to the others, she is very placid.
The costs of introduction - quite apart from those of translocation which were borne by WWF - were heavy. Confinement was purposefully long to accustom the rhino to their new home and to reduce the chances of wanderlust. A tractor and trailer and a gang of six were employed full-time gathering food and cleaning pens. Extra rangers were employed to step up the security and a special additional strand of electrified wire was strung at black rhino level on the fenceline. Concentrates to supplement their food were consumed at the rate of over 20 bags a month. Regular horse cubes were also used with great success.
Two observation towers have been erected in strategic locations as an additional safeguard against poaching. The towers are equipped with solar panels, 12-volt batteries and radios. From these, a ground force of rangers can be guided to any trouble spot, and the towers themselves can be controlled by radio from headquarters.
All this has been done in anticipation of increased poaching pressure, which will undoubtedly result from the presence of rhino and elephant at Mkhaya. The same measures are being taken at Hlane National Park.
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Black rhino return to Swaziland
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