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WELCOME TO OUR SITE

Since the start of the poaching epidemic in 2008 South Africa has lost over 2000 rhinos - a figure that, despite so much effort, increases daily. Coupled with the increasing poaching figure comes the question – why after all this are we still losing more rhino than ever? Sadly, few people realize the challenges facing those on the frontlines – thousands of kilometers to patrol with little to no idea of where the poachers plan to hit next. At this stage the poachers have the upper hand – they know when, they know how, and if need be they’ll just come back another day or hit a softer target.

 

Bearing this in mind, intelligence driven operations (knowing the when and the how) are the cornerstone to cracking the level 1 and 2 syndicates (see our Learn More About Poachers page), which is why we’re putting as much available funding into investigations and informant networks as possible while at the same time still focusing on training and special equipment. Winning the hearts and minds of communities living around rhino reserves is paramount to intelligence gathering - a special focus of SRP's in certain areas in 2013.

 

 

There has been a large proliferation of level 1 poaching gangs, with new gangs becoming involved all the time. There is evidence of gangs hiring in guns and/or shooters from other gangs, gangs splitting to form new gangs and some gangs selling horns off to the highest bidder. Mozambique has a lot to answer for when it comes to doing absolutely nothing to address the poaching situation. Their citizens illegally breach our border, armed with illegal semi-automatic/automatic weapons (on its own an act of terrorism and a matter of National Security) with the intent to kill rhinos in Kruger. Mozambique is upset that South African's are killing their people, yet never mind the threat to our rangers and troop's lives this side. The community upliftment from poaching profits in Mozambique is staggering, so why would a government already in bed with Vietnam and China do anything to alleviate rhino losses this side?

 

Reflecting back over the last two years since StopRhinoPoaching.com’s launch in June/July 2010, to where South Africa is today, noteworthy progress has been made (though we still lack an influential political champion). Mobilizing a country is no easy task, let alone getting everyone to pull in the same direction, and the synergy that has been forming amongst various stakeholders and role-players in encouraging to see.

 

The figures are soaring despite so much effort by so many good people. That said, too many rhinos still die because of ineffective systems, the lack of political will, empathy and sheer bloody negligence. SRP.com will continue to channel funding towards specific projects, putting as much as we can into areas containing larger rhino populations that are managed by DEDICATED and RESPONSIBLE conservation minded rhino owners/custodians. There are many groups doing their bit in areas where they can make a difference. Our focus is on the rangers, APU's, security and managers - the thin green line that stands between the poachers and the rhinos. Some days are soul destroying, the sheer vastness and cruelty of what we are up against is overwhelming, but no matter how bad it gets we have to keep on trying. No matter what, all of you, please don't give up.
 

Thank you to the NWCRU, the SAPS Hawks, prosecutors, investigators, security companies, responsible rhino owners, reserve managers, staff, APU rangers, NGO's, rhino champions and all those who strive day and night to keep rhinos safe. Thank you too to everyone who has supported the cause. For a review of what StopRhinoPoaching.com has achieved for rhino, please click on our e-booklet below.

 

        

               

RECENT HANDOVERS AND FUNDS RAISED

R50 000.00 from SAXPA (SA Express Pilots Association) towards a tracking dog - and amazing contribution from all the SA Express pilots!

R50 000.00 from an incredible anon donor (SRP allocated to GRU)

R11 000.00 from reDermis (also have a product for wound treatment of injured rhino)

R5 000.00 from Nevada Furniture (will be a monthly contribution!)

R14 640.00 from SMAAK

R10 000.00 from Routledge Modise

R14 732.60 from PTM Group Metals

R12 000.00 from CHC RESOURCES

R63 000.00 from Toyota McCarthy / AAWDC Family Fun Day 2012

R12 500.00 from the SKYLIGHT EVENTS Charity Golf Day

Thank you to all the companies, organisers, clients, participants and supporters who made these donations possible. Thanks to each and every one of you we'll be able to do a lot more - together - to help our rhinos.

HOW WE'VE HELPED - MAY

Purchased 5 mobile phones for an informant network in the Lowveld

R22 650.00 purchase of optics for Game Reserves United (GRU)

HOW WE'VE HELPED - APRIL

Computer equipment for investigations - R6 000.00

Sponsored the training of Ruger, a tracker dog in Sabi Sand - R9 000.00

6 Camelbak backpacks for APU in the Free State

HOW WE'VE HELPED - MARCH

R15 000.00's worth of computer equipment for investigations.

Our proud partnership with PPG (SA and International) secured a second community school sponsorship for the Zululand Rhino Reserve. Pictures further down the page. PPG, amazing, thank you!

Winning the hearts and minds of surrounding communities, and how this helps our rhinos.

Engaging the communities through dialogue, support and improved awareness on the plight of the rhino is essential to increase community participation in conservation and protection of rhinos. Local communities are the first to notice “strangers” in town. Communities who benefit from the reserve act as eyes and ears, reporting on any suspicious behaviour. Appreciative mothers who have peace of mind that their young children are in safe hands during the day, will be especially vigilant in return.

 May update on the Foxbat - Gav is half way through his licence.

SRP.com's PROJECTS AND PARTNERSHIPS...how, together, we're making a difference.

Summary of current fundraising partnerships. Please visit our Projects page for more details.

Above and Beyond Distributors - Smaak, Almanac Publishers,  Alu-Cab,  Art @ 385, Best Build Cement,  Bola Cafe,  Bush Straps,  Dis-Chem Brooklyn,  Heunis Steel, In2Plastics, Jacaranda FM, Jenna Clifford, Lancewood, Lion Sands Bed Nights, Lite-Optec Mag-lite and Isosteel, Olienhout Republic, Rhino Bars, Rhino Firelighters, SAXPA and SAAPA, Serentiy Crafts / Ruby Tuesday Jewelers, Supermoto, Supreme Mouldings, Swazi Candles, Tsonga Textiles, Village Mall Hartebeespoort.

JENNA CLIFFORD RHINO PROJECT

After numerous requests for an exclusive rhino jewelry range, we were delighted to have been approached by Dex Kotze, CEO of Jenna Clifford. Dex, a keen conservationist, has put his heart and soul into this project, as has everyone at Jenna Clifford. We are very proud to have partnered with the Jenna Clifford Rhino Project. Click here to view the collection.

JACARANDA FM's PURPLE RHINO PROJECT in partnership with StopRhinoPoaching.com - 30 rangers trained and numerous handovers to rhino reserves, as well as the incredibly successful tracker dog fund raiser with The Wild, The Parlotones and SRP.com. AS OF MARCH 2013, ALL 11 TRACKER DOGS HAVE BEEN DEPLOYED  - Click here to see the Purple Rhino Project!