Before the COVID-19 pandemic rhino numbers on state-owned protected areas were on the decline. While the one positive of the virus outbreak has been a reduced pressure on some wildlife populations, World Rhino Day is a reminder to stay vigilant.
International travel bans may have helped cut poaching during the Covid-19 lockdown, but it’s thanks to ongoing efforts of organisations like the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) that wildlife crime is being reduced.
Over the past 10 years, the EWT has been focused on rhino protection, with dog detection projects and training initiatives — to help grow public awareness of how damaging wildlife crime is for South Africa.