Help Save Africa’s Rhinos

Africa is experiencing a ferocious resurgence in rhino poaching, caused by growing demand for rhino horn from Asia. South Africa, the stronghold of Africa’s rhino population with more than 80% of the 24 000 rhinos left in Africa, has been losing more than 20 rhinos a month.

This year, poachers have already killed 210 rhinos in South Africa, compared to 122 rhinos poached in 2009.

If the trend continues, rhino conservation gains of the past decade will be wiped out.

WWF has organised a worldwide Rhino Month campaign in support of the rhino warriors on the frontline in the fight against poaching. These intrepid men and women have to face well-armed and often military-trained poachers in their bid to protect the animals.

You can help them by helping WWF provide the support, equipment and training they need to keep themselves and our rhinos safe. Donations to WWF’s Rhino Month fund can be made at wwf.org.za.

Money raised will be used directly to buy anti-poaching patrol equipment (such as binoculars, body armor, radios) and to provide essential training for anti-poaching patrols. It will also be used for emergency veterinary treatments for injured rhino and to improve monitoring of rhino populations.

In South Africa, Rhino Month culminates in Rhino Day on Wednesday 22 September 2010. At 1pm on Rhino Day, people around the world are being asked to dust off their vuvuzelas and make some noise in a symbolic call for effective international action against rhino poaching.

“We’re using one African horn to call for help for another. It doesn’t have to be a vuvuzela … you can also blow didgeridoos or alpine horns or toot your car hooters or anything else that makes a big noise in support of rhinos,” says WWF .

The illegal trade in rhino horn is run by sophisticated international criminal organisations that use modern technology, including unmarked helicopters, to locate and kill suitable “targets”. This is too big for single governments or NGOs to deal with.

“We must all help to protect the iconic African rhino”, is the urgent plea from WWF.

So what can YOU do?

* Make a noise for rhinos at 1pm on Rhino Day, Wednesday 22 September 2010.
* Spread the word. Tell your friends and families to support Rhino Day.
* Challenge others to take part.
* Raise money and make a donation to help save Africa’s rhinos.
* Send pictures of your Rhino Day and Rhino Month activities to rhino@wwf.org.za.
* Ask friends from Asia to spread the word about how buying rhino horn is illegal and poaching for rhino horn is hurting a precious African resource and icon.

For more information visit www.wwf.org.za.

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+Scotch Macaskill