As the conservation of the rhino population continues to be a top priority in South Africa, Trans African Concessions (TRAC) has formed an inspiring partnership with Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary (CFW), to protect and mitigate the eradication of this endangered species by criminals.
TRAC’s key mandate is to manage and maintain the N4 Route from the east of Tshwane in Gauteng to the Maputo port in Mozambique. The company however is also involved in many other community development initiatives. These include conservation of the environment and the wildlife that inhabits it.
One of TRAC’s flagship wildlife projects is conservation of the rhino population, through its partnership with CFW.
During the past 15 years, South Africa has had to contend with criminal syndicates who are continuously and brutally wiping out the rhino population for self-enrichment.
According to the International Rhino Foundation, South Africa has lost close to 10,000 rhinos since the poaching crisis began in 2007, which has added a severe blow to the country’s decreasing wildlife population in general.
Why TRAC joined the fight against poaching
“Disturbing reports of rhino babies being left as orphans because their mothers were killed for their horns, continue to make headlines. Although we have seen a slight decline in rhino poaching in the past few years due to effective law enforcement measures, the current figures indicate that we are still experiencing high losses due to poaching,” says Alex van Niekerk, CEO of TRAC.
It is for this reason that TRAC took a principled decision to join the fight against rhino poaching.
In 2014 the company formed a partnership with CFW to provide care for one orphaned rhino, Wyntir. The cow-calf barely made it to the centre alive after poachers killed her mother and she was left to fend for herself against a cackle of hyena. The sponsorship from TRAC went towards Wyntir’s rehabilitation and care and proved so successful that shortly afterwards TRAC agreed to sponsor another two rhinos at the centre – Tana and Mabush – who had become close to Wyntir once she was healthy again.
TRAC’s annual sponsorship has mostly been in the form of financial assistance to the sanctuary and provides for all the needs of the orphaned rhinos until they are resilient enough to be released back into the wild.
Care for Wild is a globally recognised conservation organisation which is dedicated to preserving endangered species and safeguarding the biodiversity of the planet. As the largest orphaned rhino sanctuary in the world, the organisation specialises in the rescue, rehabilitation, rewilding, and protection of orphaned and injured rhinos.
Rhinos part of South Africa’s vibrant eco-tourism
“Rhinos are part of our rich biodiversity, and we take pride in partnering and supporting wildlife organisations such Care for Wild, whose expertise is helping us to conserve the environment. South Africa is one of the few countries in the world with such rich biodiversity, and as a nation will need to jealously guard against the destruction of our heritage,” explains Van Niekerk.
Van Niekerk says rhinos are part of South Africa’s vibrant eco-tourism, and protecting this species is non-negotiable. Eco-tourism is a valuable strategic platform through which the government could create jobs, empower communities economically, reduce poverty and strengthen economic growth.
During the past financial year, TRAC spent R2-million in supporting worthy wildlife conservation initiatives and intends to spend the same for the cause in the coming financial year.
“We do it out of passion for our country and its rich natural resources, and we will continue to do so until we win the battle against rhino poaching. We look forward to a future where rhinos can roam freely in the wild.”
Although it may sound like an impossible goal, it is possible if all stakeholders can work together to put an end to this poaching crisis. TRAC is proud to be part of this journey,” says Van Niekerk. – Meropa Communications
