SRT has provided consistent patrolling and monitoring of black rhino in the Kunene over the last 25 years, particularly within the tourism concessions. These activities are delivered by several teams of trackers based in vehicles, on camels, on foot and in the air.
SRT Field Patrolling & Monitoring Programme 2008-2012
Goal:
Ensure the long-term security of desert-adapted black rhino and prevent human-induced disturbance, as well as poaching or other illegal activities.Objectives:
- Maintain a consistent ground/air reconnaissance and patrolling presence for black rhino across its range in the Kunene to act as a deterrent against poaching or other illegal activities, and liaise with MET and the Protective Resource Unit to address infractions
- Monitor and report on black rhino numbers and distribution, patterns of livestock use, conflicts between wildlife and human activity, incidences of Human Induced Disturbance (HID), rainfall and other landscape changes
- Compile all data forms, photos and other information related to wildlife sightings from field operations, conduct quality control on these data, and ensure that relevant databases are updated and maintained in collaboration with other SRT Programme Directors
Critical Success Factors for 2008-2012 include the following:
- Clarify the scope of responsibilities for SRT under a revised Memorandum of Understanding with MET (replacing the existing Mandate), particularly with regard to SRT responsibilities for monitoring of recently translocated black rhino in areas where conservancies have assumed custodial responsibilities
- Maintain a close match between the scope of SRT patrolling/monitoring functions and available staff and resources
- Collaborate closely with MET regional staff to strengthen and diversify SRT’s patrolling presence
- Collaborate with MET in the use of GPS transmitters to monitor some black rhino in lower density areas, to enable SRT to focus patrols in priority areas
- Provide aerial surveillance across the rhino range and tracking of individual rhinos fitted with transponders
- Ensure that the Memorandum of Understanding with MET clearly defines current and future monitoring priorities and effort
