Last month, during World Rhino Day, African Parks announced the black rhino population is showing signs of growth. The critically endangered species saw its numbers dwindled down to around 5,500 in the wild before Malawi stepped in to help. The African country started a new initiative in November 2019 to try and boost the rhino populations in Liwonde National Park and Majete Wildlife Reserve, and after only a year it appears to be working.
The two parks relocated 17 rhinos from South Africa, even exchanging them between locations to improve genetic diversity. The rhinos have acclimatised well, and four new calves (two in each park) have been reported. There is hope that the numbers will continue to rise and help stave off the elimination of the species. The rhinos are being kept safe from hunters and poachers through aerial surveillance, ranger patrols and real time tracking of the animals.
In a released statement African Parks’ Malawi Representative Samuel Kamoto said, “Thanks to the foresight of the Malawian Government, significant strides have been made to transform its profoundly important parks into top nature destinations that have become sanctuaries for species like the rhino and assets for local communities. The growth of rhino numbers in both Majete and Liwonde is extremely hopeful for regional conservation efforts, and demonstrates what is possible given adequate protection and collaborative measures to boost their numbers in the wild.”
WWF’s project leader Dr Jacques Flamand added, “This is why WWF entered into partnership with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife nearly two decades ago. It’s what we’re about. We decided to increase the range of black rhino in order to increase growth rate and numbers of the critically endangered species. It started slowly and has taken a lot of hard work and commitment from a lot of partners. Now we are starting to see the results that we hoped for.”
Malawi is currently overseeing a resurgence of wildlife under its new conservation policies, which is bringing hope for the survival of several species. It is allowing the country to restore its natural heritage, while enhancing several social, economic and environmental benefits.