Namibia dehorns rhino

The Ministry of Wildlife, Conservation and Tourism in Namibia, in conjunction with Save the Rhino Trust, has dehorned an undisclosed number of Diceros bicornis as part of a comprehensive strategy to censure the survival of the species in Damaraland. This was the second dehorning operation in the area following the success of the 1989 dehorning programme. Other measures to protect the species include anti-poaching patrols and the translocation of animals to safer areas. According to Blythe Loutit, the animals dehorned in 1989 do not appear to have been adversely affected by the removal of their horns. Two calves have been born to dehorned rhinos and mating between dehorned rhinos has been observed on two occasions. In addition, a calf which was dehorned is progressing well.