About a quarter of Africa's white rhino are now privately owned and managed.
8400
Two surveys were undertaken in April and June 1998, most white rhino survived the liberation war which overthrew President Mobutu. Both surveys indicated that at least 24 animals remain.
2600 in wild
The threat continues to increase with 2 black rhino known to have been poached since Feb 1996, and a further 10 no longer seen or reported from their home range.
A workshop at the AfRSG meeting recommended the development of a specific rhino project to develop a Government of Cameroon recovery plan through the President, with WWF/FAC as counterparts who could provide initial funding. Greatly increased government commitment was seen as essential for success. Short term recommendations include obtaining high level political support, the appointment of a high level steering committee and recruitment of additional anti-poaching staff, the establishment of 2 portection zones, increased intelligence gathering, and continued monitoring. Much will depend on necessary changes within the government ministry (MINEFF) to allow effective anti-poaching efforts, and on continued support from the existing GEF savannah project.
Fourth AfRSG meeting was held in Mount Etjo Safari Lodge, Namibia, 12-19 April 1997, sponsored by WWF, the lodge and Budget-Rent-A-Car. Meeting was attended by 30 members and invited delegates from 11 countries. A revised draft African Rhino Action Plan has been completed and submitted to IUCN.
A CITES standing committee meeting approved funding for a proposed workshop to develop standardised indicators for levels of illegal hunting and status of rhino populations, as called for in resolution Conf. 9.14. It has been decided that TRAFFIC will become the lead organisation in developing the indicators, with AsRSG and AfRSg providing assistance when required.
In 1997 there were 240 black rhino in captivity. Three quarter are eastern black rhino (D.b. michaeli), remaining are southern-central (D.b. minor). There are no longipes or bicornis in captivity.
