Wildlife conservation groups take action to protect remaining rhinos

August 22, 2014 admin Africa Wildlife Foundation, Protecting Rhinos, Tunde Folawiyo, tunde folawiyo africa, tunde folawiyo bio, tunde folawiyo london, tunde folawiyo profile, Uncategorized

As a result of relentless poaching, the rhino is now at risk of extinction. As a conservation enthusiast, Tunde Folawiyo may be aware that in 2013, 1,004 of these creatures were killed in South Africa, and an additional 560 were lost during the first half of this year. Conservation groups have warned that the number of deaths is likely to exceed births within the 12 months or so, which will cause a population decline that may not be reversible

However, the South African government is doing its utmost to protect what is left of this species. So far this year, police have arrested 160 poachers. One man, whose case was put forward for prosecution, has been given a 77 year prison sentence for his participation in the killing of several rhino calves in 2011. The news of this lengthy punishment was welcomed by those who run the country’s national parks, with one describing it as a ‘triumph’ for rhinos.

Whilst most people, including Tunde Folawiyo, would probably agree that imposing harsher sentences on poachers is certainly a step in the right direction, the management team at Kruger national park are still looking into more immediate ways to protect the species. They are currently considering the possibility of transferring some of the park’s population to other game reserves; a representative from Kruger explained that this may help to spread the risk, as poaching is far more common here than it is in other parts of the country. However, they have not yet reached a decision regarding this proposal.

Although South Africa is home to the largest number of rhinos (approximately 70% of the world’s population), the poaching of these animals is also prevalent in other countries across the continent – particularly in Uganda. To combat this problem here, an organisation called the RFU (Rhino Fund Uganda) recently gathered together 110 officials from the towns surrounding the Ziwa Sanctuary.

The goal of this event was to ensure that both security personnel and community leaders were made aware of the growing threat to this species. During the meeting, the chief executive of the RFU, Angie Genade, spoke of the measures which the fund are already employing; these include monitoring the rhinos 24 hours a day, and establishing security around the perimeter of the sanctuary.

As mentioned above, Folawiyo is a supporter of wildlife conservation; however, he has many other interests too. Those hoping to find out more about this man can view Flickr images of Tunde Folawiyo.

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