On 18 June 1990, a founder population of five black rhinoceros were auctioned by the Natal Parks Board. The two bulls and three cows were bought by Lapalala Wilderness for the sum of R2.2 million. This was the highest price per head ever paid for the species. Lapalala Wilderness is one of eight private game reserves that applied to the Natal Parks Board for classification as suitable habitat for the introduction of black rhinoceros. Lapalala Wilderness is a 24,400 ha sanctuary with an area of approximately 10,000 ha selected as a black rhino sanctuary. The latter area is encircled by an 18 strand gamep-roof fence some 45 km long. The sanctuary has four permanent game scouts, i.e. one scout per 25 km? . The topography consists of densely bushed slopes, hills, plateaus and valleys, with the Blockland River, which is a tributary of the Lephalala River, running from south to north. In addition to this permanent supply of water, there are two mountain streams, four boreholes that connect to five water troughs, and one dam capable of holding water throughout the year. Thee entire area is surrounded by some 75,000 ha of wild country devoted entirely to conservation.
The Lapalala transaction was of great economic benefit to the Natal Parks Board because sale proceeds were used to provide funding for its various conservation programmes. Of even greater significance, however, was the fact that for the first time ever in South Africa, black rhinos were assigned an economic value. This could potentially prove helpful in the courtroom, as judges can now take into consideration a replacement cost in assessing penalties against rhino poachers. Increased fines and stiffer sentences are being called for in South Africa where the current penalty for rhino poaching is only 1,500 rand or one year in jail.
