‘It’s not vets alone who are saving rhinos’

WITH World Veterinary Day and Save the Rhino Day commemorated recently, this is an opportune time to reflect on the efforts of conservation teams, including veterinarians, to combat the scourge of rhino poaching.

- DR JACQUES O'DELL

There are five rhino species in the world, two of which occur in Africa: black and white. South Africa is the stronghold for the white rhino. There are said to be between 10 000 and 15 000 rhinos in the country, yet despite this large number, about 10 000 rhinos have been lost to poaching over the past 15 years, all for their horns.

Rhino horn is a sought-after commodity in many parts of Asia, especially China. Having lost about half of our rhino population, it may seem that we are not making headway in our efforts to save these animals.

However, it is worth noting that poaching numbers have been declining: in 2014, more than 1 200 rhinos were killed, while last year, 400 were lost to poaching.

Rhinos are generally healthy animals, with relatively few diseases and disorders, and vets are seldom required to attend to them, especially on larger farms or reserves.