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The Rhino Keepers: Struggle for Survival
The conservation of the rhinos in southern Africa is described in this account of these fascinating animals, the reasons behind their historical decline, the myths that surround them, and the resurrection of the rhinoceros horn trade. Few animals face as violent, as well organized, and as determined an enemy as the world’s rhinos. But across the African continent, they are being slaughtered on a daily basis, and approximately 5,000 black rhinos and 21,000 white rhinos are all that prevent their extinction. This real account of the rhino wars is a harrowing story, underscoring the enormous challenges that lie ahead for conservation in a world where rhino horns sold by the gram raise double the price of gold and are more expensive than cocaine in the end-user Asian markets. Arguing that protecting Africa’s rhinos is of utmost importance, it questions the management of natural heritage and implores readers to recognize their role as rhino keepers of the future.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
July 28, 2018
Summary:
This book is writing by a father and son who have been involved with rhinoceros for a long time. It covers some of the history of the rhinoceros, the difficulties it has faced in the past and the difficulties it faces now. The content of the book is very interesting if you're interested in its subject matter, but I found it jumped around a bit. However, it is a strong insight into rhino conservation. One thing that irked me is that one of the authors was/is a hunter and also conservationist, but doesn't really express any remorse about hunting. In fact, a few of the historical tales glorify hunting and it is even mentioned that hunting has its role to play in conservation, which seemed like a bit of encouragement.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in conservation, African wildlife and, of course, the noble rhinoceros.
The main message I took from this book is that conservation is difficult, poaching is savage and the meeting of the two incites a literal war.
Some notable points:
- Rhinos are good swimmers that spend most of the day wallowing in mud and feed mainly at night, browsing on more than 150 species of trees and shrubs.
- Anything that is in demand has value, and in this case the rhino's horn put the animal in jeopardy. Can you be poor and remain honest? Likewise if you are rich? If it's there for the taking, even if it is a protected species, why not help yourself? Of what consequence is the slaughter of an animal when its death will relieve the poverty of your family?
- As long as there are hungry men in the front lines, there will always be greedy men in the backrooms.
- Like a modern Midas, tourism has transformed much of the world's natural beauty into pure gold. In the process, the industry may have planted the seeds of its own destruction. For the suspicion is growing, ever so slowly, that the more tourism succeeds, the more it cannibalises the very basis of its own existence.
- The Khama Rhino Sanctuary in Botswana (I've been there!) is a wildlife sanctuary established by tribal people for tribal people. Its establishment involved the collaborative work of many non-governmental organisations and helped avoid the extinction of white rhinos in Botswana again.
- Conservation can involve individual acts of cruelty. The restraining and tranquillising of an animal can inflict pain and confusion upon the animal, even though the act is done for the benefit of the species. This strikes me as a strange duality.
- A formula to successful conservation: the dedication of individuals, vital funding enabling the upgrading of security and implementation of initiatives, surveillance and response and increasing the motivation and morale of field rangers.
This book is writing by a father and son who have been involved with rhinoceros for a long time. It covers some of the history of the rhinoceros, the difficulties it has faced in the past and the difficulties it faces now. The content of the book is very interesting if you're interested in its subject matter, but I found it jumped around a bit. However, it is a strong insight into rhino conservation. One thing that irked me is that one of the authors was/is a hunter and also conservationist, but doesn't really express any remorse about hunting. In fact, a few of the historical tales glorify hunting and it is even mentioned that hunting has its role to play in conservation, which seemed like a bit of encouragement.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in conservation, African wildlife and, of course, the noble rhinoceros.
The main message I took from this book is that conservation is difficult, poaching is savage and the meeting of the two incites a literal war.
Some notable points:
- Rhinos are good swimmers that spend most of the day wallowing in mud and feed mainly at night, browsing on more than 150 species of trees and shrubs.
- Anything that is in demand has value, and in this case the rhino's horn put the animal in jeopardy. Can you be poor and remain honest? Likewise if you are rich? If it's there for the taking, even if it is a protected species, why not help yourself? Of what consequence is the slaughter of an animal when its death will relieve the poverty of your family?
- As long as there are hungry men in the front lines, there will always be greedy men in the backrooms.
- Like a modern Midas, tourism has transformed much of the world's natural beauty into pure gold. In the process, the industry may have planted the seeds of its own destruction. For the suspicion is growing, ever so slowly, that the more tourism succeeds, the more it cannibalises the very basis of its own existence.
- The Khama Rhino Sanctuary in Botswana (I've been there!) is a wildlife sanctuary established by tribal people for tribal people. Its establishment involved the collaborative work of many non-governmental organisations and helped avoid the extinction of white rhinos in Botswana again.
- Conservation can involve individual acts of cruelty. The restraining and tranquillising of an animal can inflict pain and confusion upon the animal, even though the act is done for the benefit of the species. This strikes me as a strange duality.
- A formula to successful conservation: the dedication of individuals, vital funding enabling the upgrading of security and implementation of initiatives, surveillance and response and increasing the motivation and morale of field rangers.
Displaying 1 of 1 review