Background :: Overview

The desert-adapted black rhino (Diceros bicornis bicornis) surviving in the Kunene Region (former Damaraland and Kaokoland) in the arid, remote north-west of Namibia are the only rhino worldwide, that have survived on communal land with no formal conservation status. Further, they are the largest truly free-ranging black rhino population left in the world.

However, in the early 1980’s in this vast, strangely beautiful and spectacular desert scenery, a savage slaughter of desert wildlife took place. As the number of rhinos shrank with the result that they were near extinction, a group of concerned people (scientists; geologists; community leaders; nature conservation officials; farmers; journalists; housewives and businessmen) gathered together to form a Trust. The aim of this Trust was to stop the horrendous slaughter of rhino, elephant and other wildlife which was taking place in the desert.

Within a few years of determination and hard work and with the help of international funds, SAVE THE RHINO TRUST - NAMIBIA was born, officially recognized and registered as Charitable Organization number 53.

Initially, convicted poachers were employed by SAVE THE RHINO TRUST to monitor and protect the rhino, as they had extensive knowledge of the habits of these animals. The aim of putting a halt to the extermination of the endangered black rhino from communal land has been enthusiastically supported by Chiefs and headmen as well as the neighbouring farming community. Ever since the Trust was formed, collaboration with Government, the local communities, and both national and international partners has taken place, with the aim of enhancing security for the rhino, monitoring the rhino population in the region, and to bring benefit to the community through conservation and tourism.

Blythe Loutit, a founder member and trustee, and director until she died on 14 June 2005, could be proud of the achievements of her team members - despite some lasting problems. Since the founding of SAVE THE RHINO TRUST in 1982 poaching has drastically declined and the rhino population has more than tripled.

Presently, SRT is led by Rudi Loutit and a committed staff of mainly local Namibians who have spent the better part of their lives living with black rhinos in the Kunene. SRT recently completed a 5-Year Strategic Plan with contributions from international, national and local rhino patrons to help guide their efforts.