Award-winning wildlife and conservation photographer and Earth.Org Photographer Amish Chhagan reflects on the recent announcement by the government of Namibia to cull hundreds of wild animals in response to a severe drought that is affecting the country.

—

“Humankind must learn to understand that the life of an animal is in no way less precious than our own.” – Paul Oxton

Namibia is planning to kill more than 700 wild animals, including elephants, zebras and hippos, and distribute the meat to the people struggling with food insecurity as the country grapples with its worst drought in 100 years. The animals set to be culled include 83 elephants, 30 hippos, 60 buffalo, 50 impala, 100 blue wildebeest and 300 zebras, the country’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism announced in August.

An update from Zimbabwe less than a month later states that the government will cull 200 wild elephants to feed communities facing severe hunger during the worst drought in four decades.

Zimbabwe’s environment minister, Sithembiso Nyoni said: “We are having a discussion with ZimParks and some communities to do like what Namibia has done, so that we can cull the elephants and mobilise the women to maybe dry the meat, package it, and ensure that it gets to some communities that need the protein.”

Awareness

My son has a collection of National Geographic Kids books, each dedicated to a single species – something his grandmother so kindly gifted him. He loves them and he will flick through them and keep himself entertained for ages. One day, while reading the book on elephants, he came up to me and proudly recited facts: where they live, how many sub-species exist and that they weigh like 300 times more than him. His enthusiasm was contagious.

He then showed me the endangered scale that was highlighted orange, indicating that they are endangered (red is “Critically Endangered”) and went on to explain that people destroy their homes and also kill them for their tusks.

My heart sank. He is five years old.

On one hand I was so proud – yes, he and I have watched wildlife documentaries and he has seen many of these African species in person. His awareness and understanding was so perceptive, clearly showing concern for other living species – more than most people, let alone his age mates. On the other hand, the bigger picture comes into play and it is on days like this where optimism fades away.

It was only a couple of hours after I had read the aforementioned article. The timing was jarring.

Bigger Picture

These articles saddens me quite deeply.

The devastating drought in Namibia and the rest of Southern Africa is not an isolated event; it is part of a larger global pattern of environmental crises exacerbated primarily by human actions – bigger picture thinking. While this move may seem like a practical solution in a dire situation, it raises profound ethical questions about the relationship between humanity and the natural world. I should note, this piece is also not an isolated event; it reflects a culmination of thoughts and emotions that have built up over time, with this particular piece igniting something within me.

Overpopulation, unsustainable agricultural practices, deforestation, overfishing, industrial pollution, illegal wildlife trade, plastic consumption, waste mismanagement, rising sea levels – just a few I have come up with in 30 seconds. These have all in some way contributed to the disruption of natural cycles and the depletion of terrestrial and marine ecosystems. While the immediate cause of Namibia’s drought may be climatic, the underlying drivers are deeply rooted in the ways humans have altered the planet.

Fact. Not opinion, not fake news, not misinformation. Fact.

The Namibian government’s decision to cull these animals is supported by international organisations, including the United Nations, under the Convention on Biological Diversity, which permits bushmeat consumption from sustainable sources. However, those familiar with Africa’s wildlife management know that this is a grey and murky area. Much like the justification of professional hunting, which claims to target only the old, weak, and diseased animals, the rationale for culling often fails to hold up under scrutiny. In reality, these practices can lead to further imbalances in ecosystems and the unnecessary suffering of animals.

Again – Fact.

When such credible and influential organisations show even the slightest support, it normalises these types of strategies and diminishes the long term impacts. As the saying goes, “give a finger and they’ll take the whole hand.” Another argument justifying the cull is that it could reduce human-wildlife conflict and prevent the animals from suffering due to the drought. Yet, wildlife is inherently resilient, far more so than humans. Given time and space, these animals can adapt to changing conditions. The notion that we must intervene to “save” them from suffering is rooted in a misunderstanding of nature’s processes.

Burden

I am not saying I have a solution to the drought crisis, nor do I condone human suffering. I am also talking from a privileged position, dare I admit. In all honestly, I am venting. I am empathetic towards those suffering, as I am to other similar events in other parts of the world – I have seen and witnessed this growing up in Zambia. But accountability falls to us, this is our responsibility; the governments, NGO’s, private and international aid, those who volunteer and help. Not wildlife. We have this idea that humans are the priority over everything and every other living species.

My concern is the injustice and unfairness to wildlife – as that is exactly what this is. Are we to believe that all other potential solutions have been exhausted? Are we really solving the root problem here? What about foreign aid? Is the situation so dire that the only recourse is to make wildlife pay the price for a crisis that we, as humans, have contributed to? Do we realise how short-sighted this is? Would we make a similar sacrifice if the roles were reversed? Most definitely not (and I am not suggesting we do).

The fact that we turn to culling animals – beings that had no hand in creating this crisis – suggests a failure to fully explore and implement alternative measures. It is a harsh reminder that the burden of human-induced crises often falls on the innocent, including the wildlife that plays a crucial role in our planet’s ecosystems.

I had conversations with several stakeholders familiar with the matter. Here is a quote that sums up this situation:

“What is done to the animals inevitably will impact the people, as it’s these same animals and their habitat that contribute significantly to ecotourism in the country. The governments must search for solutions that benefit all. In the end we will either succeed or fail, but it will be in unison.” Stacy James, Dazzle Africa.

As philosopher Immanuel Kant once said, “Animals are there merely as a means to an end. That end is man.”

—

About the Author & Disclaimer: Amish Chhagan (Chags Photography) is an award-winning wildlife and conservation photographer and Earth.Org Photographer. The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. You can find more of Amish’s work on his website, Instagram, and X. This article was first published on Chhagan’s blog.

The post Collateral Damage – On Namibia’s Plans to Kill Wildlife for Drought Relief appeared first on Earth.Org.

Step into Rwanda’s vast Volcanoes National Park through the lens of Zambia-raised Earth.Org photographer Amish Chhagan as he documents the last remaining species of Mountain Gorillas. Despite showing signs of a miraculous resurgence, the Mountain Gorilla remains listed as endangered, with roughly 1,000 individuals spotted in a recent count. 

—

“When you realise the value of all life, you dwell less on what is past and concentrate more on the preservation of the future.” – Dian Fossey

As we sluggishly made our way to the hotel lobby after a long flight the day before, we found Didier eagerly waiting to take us on a cross-country trip to the Volcanoes National Park. His ear-to-ear smile caught our attention and he quickly approached us like we were old friends reconnecting after many years. We felt a sense of pride and welcomeness, a belonging, another home far from home.

Back in the 1990s, Rwanda went through one of the most brutal and violent genocides in human history. Growing up in the nearby country of Zambia, there was a general concern that the instability may instigate issues within our own country. I was a kid during the Civil War and clearly did not comprehend what was going on, but there was tension in the air anytime Rwanda was mentioned. I once caught a glimpse of the local news reporting about what was going on – I still have this vivid image of a machete embedded in my mind. Since then, numerous documentaries and movies have depicted what happened; most are extremely painful to watch.

I am not here to relive the details. Instead, I would like to highlight the remarkable progress the country has made since 1994. Today, a mere three decades after the end of the war, Rwanda is regarded as one of the safest, cleanest, and most business friendly countries in Africa. In 2021, a formidable report by the Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), Where to Invest in Africa, ranked Rwanda fourth in investment attractiveness.

Few countries in Africa boast such progress in multiple thematic areas – strength of economy, low poverty levels, zero corruption and crime, a thriving and forward-thinking education system, ecotourism, conservation – the list goes on. 

While I have spent most of my life in Zambia, my work took me to numerous countries in Africa, even before I became a professional photographer. In this time, no country I have visited or researched has shown this level of progress and advancement, in particular in less than a generation – from a war-stricken country to one of the most thriving countries, not just in Africa, but in the world.

Given my profession as a photographer, supporting conservation (and ecotourism) is part of my mission statement. My role only subsists because the natural world and their inhabitants still exist today, but therein exists an important and mandatory duty in conservation. It is not about me, my creative passion, and my artistic impressions but rather part of an impactful global climate agenda. I am blessed and grateful to be part of this mission, despite the challenging, frustrating, and often painful nature of this journey.

You might also like: Capturing Climate Change: How Photography Can Tell the Story of a Warming World

The more time I spend capturing beautiful moments in the wild, the more I am drawn to documenting endangered species, not only because it is increasingly becoming scarce to photography but also to communicate a powerful message by showcasing the beauty of these magnificent creatures. Unfortunately, that endangered list continues to grow every day. 

The Mountain Gorilla, a sub-species of the Eastern Gorilla, is one such example. As the name suggests, they reside in low to mid-range altitudes, found only in what is known as the Virunga Massif, a chain of eight dormant volcanoes at the intersection of Rwanda, Uganda and Congo. They tend to roam around these mountains seeking new territories, shelter, and food, crossing country borders seamlessly – visa free.

Back in the late 1960s, a young and ambitious explorer by the name of Dian Fossey made it her life’s work to study and research Mountain Gorillas. As Jane Goodall made strides with chimpanzees, Fossey made incredible progress in habituating these gorillas and sharing her ground-breaking research on their ethology. Unfortunately, one of her learnings was that poachers were contributing to the rapid decline of the Mountain Gorilla population. Her role quickly turned into one of conservation, using arguably unconventional methods to terrify poachers and creating havoc amongst local communities, the government, and international traders. 

Gorilla infants were targeted as demand from zoos around the world wanted to showcase the species. To acquire an infant, poachers would often have to eliminate entire gorilla families. Demand from several countries in Asia paid handsomely for the head, feet or the hand – the latter of which was typically used as a cigar ashtray. It became increasingly difficult to recognise the gorillas that had been killed as the face, hands and feet were key factors in identifying individuals.

You might also like: The Precarious Existence of Critically Endangered Gorillas

To you and me, these types of gruesome stories will surely sicken us and prompt us to question why, maybe even take action. It is not a simple answer – a complex and prosperous supply chain of poached products, the local community’s livelihood, Asian culture for status and traditional beliefs are just a few. I believe it goes deeper than this, touching on the human psyche around power and competition. These traditions have been around for many years, even during the time of hunter gathers, when humans hunted mammoths and other prehistoric animals. It is a practice that has evolved over time and has become one of displaying wealth, power, and status – a social construct we created to show we are at the top of the food chain. All the while, these actions contribute to one of the primary existential threats of not only these species, but our very own existence.

At their low in the early 1980s, there were around 250 Mountain Gorillas in the wild. Thanks to Dian Fossey’s Research Centre, the Rwandan government, and a global conservation effort, populations have risen to over 1,000 today. Across the gorilla subspecies, the Mountain Gorillas are the only species seeing an upward trend in population. Whilst this is most certainly progress, they are still considered endangered despite poaching and habitat destruction no longer a primary threat. The gorillas are closely monitored daily, whether it be trackers sourcing a family for the one-hour visit from tourists or researchers attempting to build relationships with non-habituated gorillas.

The ongoing and future threats to these species are naturally human-wildlife conflicts, as it tends to be across Africa and other parts of the world that maintain terrestrial areas. As human populations continue to grow, including the surrounding local communities, demand for more land to be used for agriculture and shelter will inevitably increase. Tackling this before it crosses a point of no return is now a job for the government; and as with most other thematic areas, the Rwandan government is already making progress. 

In partnership with ecotourism operators such as Wilderness Destinations, the government has developed plans to expand the Volcanoes National Park. The plan involves offering local communities an incentivised relocation program, which includes building new homes and providing access to key agricultural tools. 

The night before our gorilla trek, I barely slept. I woke up several times thinking it was time to get my gear on. The Bisate Lodge setting was already teasing us as to what will come of this trip; a mini uphill trek to our “nest”, sights of the Bisoke and Karisimbi volcano peaks rising through the forests, and the symptoms of heavy breathing and coolness due to the high altitudes.

The camp was exquisite, blending luxury with an African twist and homely feel. There are only six rooms – well, more like an open plan one-bedroom penthouse. The views of the volcano mountains in the distance gave the eyes space to breathe. The aroma of fresh crisp air gave you a small adrenaline high as it reminded you of where you were. Every little detail seemed to have been thought of.

I have always valued client service; it is the factor that distinguishes good hospitality from great. Whether at my local coffee shop, barber, or a camp in Africa, those I have fond memories of made an effort in building a relationship with us. Our experience at Bistate Lodge was most definitely one of those fond memories. All the staff knew our names and backgrounds before we even stepped foot at camp. Not only were most of the staff from the surrounding communities, but it almost seemed they were hand-picked with the criteria of a glowing warm orange energy. In hindsight, our encounters with Rwandans throughout our trip were charming and engaging.

On the morning of our gorilla trek, I was woken by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. The rich scent filled the air, instantly energising me for the adventure ahead. As I sipped the steaming cup, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and anticipation, with a hint of nervousness. I was about to witness the Mountain Gorilla in person. We gathered our gear and set off into the dense jungle, guided by experienced trackers and rangers.

The family we were going to meet was the Suza family consisting of about 20 members with three silverbacks, several blackbucks, and a couple of babies. We were informed that our estimated time of arrival to the gorilla family’s location was about 30-45 minutes, but as we approached the half hour mark, we were informed the gorillas had moved further north. We adjusted our course and continued deeper into the dense foliage, our anticipation growing with each step. The sounds of rustling leaves and distant calls of birds enveloped us, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we caught a glimpse of black fur through the trees. We placed our masks over our faces, got my cameras out and approached cautiously.

The gorillas seemed unperturbed by our presence, as if they were allowing us a glimpse into their world. The expressions on their faces spoke volumes – wisdom, curiosity, and a deep connection with each other. Their tranquil demeanour conveyed a sense of peace and acceptance. It was as if we had entered a sacred sanctuary, where humans and gorillas coexisted harmoniously. With each click of my camera’s shutter, I felt a surge of excitement, realising the significance of documenting these incredible creatures.

The similarities of these species to us are un-canning – unsurprisingly, considering that there is only a 1.6% difference in DNA between humans and gorillas. The obvious features are hands, opposable thumbs, ears, teeth structure and facial composition. Females have a similar pregnancy period of around 8.5 months, with mothers and other female family members taking care of their offspring as we would. What struck me the most was their mannerisms – their facial expressions clearly show their emotion, whether calm, annoyed, playful or curious.

The behaviour between them was dependent on how strong the relationships with each other were; again, much like us humans. Brothers, sisters, and mothers clearly showed protection for their curious infant, who kept creeping closer to me as it saw his reflection on my lens. There was a particular blackback that was not even allowed close to where the family was resting. Every time he took a step closer, one of the silverbacks grunted aggressively, communicating to stay away – the ranger explained it could have been something he did to upset the silverback and this was his punishment.

Toward the end of our visit, it started to drizzle, and the main silverback of the family went from a relaxed state to becoming very grumpy, arms crossed and frowning, visibly upset. We were protected well with all our waterproof gear, but it was yet another moment when our parallels with gorillas surfaced once more. We were in an open area, hence no protection for him and his family. He looked up at the sky as if to ask why and then looked directly at me as if to demand for my raincoat. Those five seconds felt like an hour and gave me heart palpitations. What a way to say goodbye.

We took the opportunity to visit yet another primate species, the golden monkey. These unique and rare species are primarily found in the Virunga Mountains at the intersection of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 

Golden monkeys are considered endangered and, although no official statistics exist on population, it is estimated there are between 4,000-5,000 remaining in the forests of the Virunga Mountains, with populations in decline due to habitat destruction. They are insufficiently explored, unlike other primates such as the mountain gorillas and chimpanzees that reside in similar habitats. The Dian Fossey Centre is one of the only organisations that have created a team specific to researching these species and have been doing this over the last 15 years, making great strides in understanding their ethology. The idea was to replicate a similar approach to one that Dian Fossey applied to the mountain gorillas using trackers and researchers, all the while habituating them and creating a conservation model that will assist in recovering the species.

There are few experiences in my life that have taken me by awe than being in the presence of one of humanity’s closest ancestors. It is almost as if we were witnessing a time before human settlements. Those of us lucky enough to have witnessed mountain gorillas in their habitat will surely understand how fortunate and lucky we are. In the few years since I have embarked on the journey of conservation and wildlife photography, this has been the pinnacle. That is not to say my other adventures have not been special. This one took me on an unexpected emotional journey – one with gratitude, joy, and thrill but also with sadness and shame as the conservationist in me kicks in because of the destruction we have caused, not only for these gorillas, but for the wider biodiversity. 

Article and photos: Chags Photography by Amish Chhagan

• Web chagsphotography.com
• IG @chags.photography
• FB @chags.photography

Check out other Earth.Org’s photostories here.

The post In Pictures – Documenting Rwanda’s Remaining Mountain Gorillas appeared first on Earth.Org.

In Earth.Org’s first-ever photo story, EO Photographer Amish Chhagan narrates the story of rhinos, a fascinating yet sadly dwindling species faced with an existential threat: poaching.

—

Mfalme translates to “King” in Swahili, a fitting name for this 35-year-old southern white rhino. His presence is commanding, given his immense stature and size of horn; very little can steal our gaze at this moment. His curiosity and sense of smell bring him closer to the vehicle, compensating for his poor eyesight.

Mfalme, a southern white rhino in Solio Game Reserve, Kenya. Photo: Chags Photography by Amish Chhagan.

Located in a heavily protected private sanctuary in the Central Province of Kenya, Mfalme shares his habitat with hundreds of black and white rhinos in a 20,000-acre reserve. Solio Game Reserve was created in 1970, one of the oldest privately owned rhino sanctuaries, boasting the largest rhino population in a single conservancy in the world – and growing.

Unfortunately, however, the wider story is not so pretty.

Existential Threats

Based on the current and official poaching statistics, it is estimated that at least one to two rhinos are killed every day in Africa. 

The readers of this article probably know very well that the primary threat to rhinos’ existence is poaching. It is well documented through investigative journals, reporting, and research undertaken by conservation related organisations and select media outlets. Well-known conservation photographers and videographers provide a visual story, which is often hard to watch, given the gruesome nature of the act. However, these types of visual exposures are necessary. A quick Google search on rhino poaching will yield over two million results. 

Photo: Chags Photography by Amish Chhagan.

Despite this, poaching remains the number one existential threat to rhinos. Why? The short answer is that the addressable (black) market of the rhino horn is huge. 

Although rhino poaching in Africa has dropped since its peak in 2014/15, when almost 1,400 rhinos were poached, in 2019 an estimated 600 rhinos were poached – still an incredibly high number. It is worth noting these are officially reported figures; some countries do not release these statistics; hence the figure is likely more. About 90% of all rhino poaching takes place in South Africa – understandably as the country has the world’s highest rhino populations. It also borders Mozambique, where much of the rhino horn is smuggled through to its final destination in East Asia. 

Poaching incidents in Africa, 2006-2019. Image: IUCN.

The black-market commercial value of rhino horn is somewhat of a sensitive topic as there are mixed opinions about publicising the value so as not to entice new market entrants, amongst other reasons. Some say that the value is not where the focus should be, but on helping the overall cause, which is true. However, we are humans – we are more likely to do something if we have a basic rational and quantitative understanding of the size of the problem. As such, and to give some context, today the value of rhino horn is worth more than gold, platinum or cocaine. 

Understanding the value of the rhino horn helps us to understand the size of this market. Using some high-level assumptions, the estimated calculations of the annual (black) market value of this illicit trade is in the region of US$200 million – realistically, it is probably double this figure.

Put mildly, if this was a legitimate legal corporation, it would be a unicorn – a highly profitable billion-dollar company. This is the primary reason that poaching remains the number one existential threat to rhinos.

Photo: Chags Photography by Amish Chhagan.

Five Species of Rhino Exist Today

Many of us may not know this, but there are five species of rhino – today. 

This may change over the next few years given the population levels of two species that are critically endangered. These are namely the Sumatran and Javan rhinos, primarily found in Indonesia. Collectively, there are less than 150 left in the wild and the species’ population continues to dwindle. Whilst poaching exists in this region, habitat destruction and climate change pose a larger threat. 

With such small and fragmented populations, breeding is increasingly difficult. The island’s natural habitat continues to shrink, as human populations continue to rise in the world’s fourth-most populous country. The space encroachment therefore is a key conservation challenge for long term survival for these rhinos. Sadly, both these species are quickly slipping toward extinction. 

Sumatran Rhino in Indonesia. Photo: Michel VIARD.

Javan Rhino in Indonesia. Photo: Tobias Nolan.

The third species is the Greater One-Horned rhino, found in India and Nepal. Although considered vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), this rhino has probably seen the most remarkable recovery. Hunted for sport and their horn, the Greater One-Horned rhino was close to extinction in the early 19th century, with less than 200 remaining – today there are close to 4,000 rhinos thanks to conservation efforts and protected areas in India and Nepal. 

One horned rhino in India. Photo: Patrice Correia.

Photo: Chags Photography by Amish Chhagan.

The Black and White rhinos are the remaining species found in Eastern and Southern Africa. The Black rhino is typically more aggressive and considered critically endangered with an estimated 6,000 rhinos remaining. The White rhino is the biggest land mammal after the elephant and the most populous of the rhino species, with estimates of 16,000, down from around 18,000 in 2017, and considered near threatened by IUCN. About 80% of all black and white rhinos are found in various national parks in South Africa. 

Rhino Species. Photo: IUCN Red List and Save The Rhino.

Photo: Chags Photography by Amish Chhagan.

Whilst the Southern White Rhino is the more prevalent subspecies, the Northern White Rhino is critically endangered and considered extinct in the wild. There are only two individuals that remain, both female and residing in a protected sanctuary in Ol Pejeta in Kenya. They were brought in from a zoo in Czech Republic in 2009 to participate in a natural breeding programme; thus far is seeing some positive results. Led by a consortium of scientists and conservationists called BioRescue, several viable Northern White Rhino embryos have been created. 

This is Najin, representing 50% of the population of Northern White Rhinos held in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Photo: Chags Photography by Amish Chhagan

The Mafia of Rhino Horn

Organised crime (and this is exactly what it is) only flourishes in a corrupt environment. Combined with a market value exceeding US$200m, it is natural that many will be incentivised by the quick payouts. The financial rewards are too tempting for impoverished locals residing near national parks, who will take up the role of Poacher or Broker. These are considered the Level 1 and 2 parties along the value chain. They work with the Level 3 stakeholder, the Dealer, who organises and finances the kill as well as maintaining a network of Brokers. Exporters and Importers are the next actor and the link between Africa and Asia, who provide full logistical support, from transportation by air or ship to customs on arrival to lining the pockets of numerous corrupt officials along the way in both African and Asian borders.

Rhino horn and ivory value chain. Photo: UNODC.

The destination for these high price items is East Asia, with Vietnam being a primary recipient. The rhino horns are distributed locally, as well as to China, who are known to generate the most demand for rhino horn and ivory – ever-increasing as populations and the burgeoning middle class continue to grow. The Wholesale Traders (Level 5) are the link between storage and distributing raw material to the underground retail market. Between them and the Level 6 Retailers, various products are produced to serve the high demand market in Vietnam, China, Hong Kong and Malaysia. They are sold to everyone from powerful kingpins and tycoons to government officials and diplomats and in recent years, the emerging middle class.

Rhino horn seized in Hong Kong. Photo: GovHK.

The smuggling routes employed by criminal networks trafficking rhino horn are complex and dynamic, exploiting weaknesses in border controls and law enforcement capacity constraints to provide a steady supply of rhino horn to Asian black markets. They span countries and continents, passing through multiple airports and legal jurisdictions. It is a task made easier for criminals by fragmented enforcement responses hamstrung by bureaucracy, insufficient international co-operation and corruption.

Photo: Chags Photography by Amish Chhagan.

Status Games: Rolex or Rhino Horn Powder? 

Aged by old beliefs and a rising middle class across East Asia, a strong and growing market for rhino horn has been created and in turn a varied product offering. One such use is Chinese medicine or a miracle “drug”, one that is so versatile – everything from fever-reducer and hangover cure to cancer treatment, Viagra alternative and even COVID-19. 

There is no evidence to suggest any of these treatments work. A rhino horn is composed entirely of keratin – a protein that humans produce naturally found in our hair, nails and skin. This alone should diminish the belief that there is any medical benefit from rhino horn or at the very least use alternative sources for the active ingredient. Unfortunately, science, facts and common sense cannot topple the house of cards built on century old beliefs and traditions. 

Finished products known to have rhino horn, seized by Hong Kong officials. Photo: GAO.

Status symbol is another reason behind the demand. It provides an opportunity for the affluent to display and mark their status, influence and power in a hierarchical society. Like many in the West would display their wealth with Swiss watches and overpriced sports cars, many in East Asian cultures view rhino horn and ivory as the ultimate status symbol. The end-product comes in the form of beads, bracelets, rings or carved ornaments to name a few.

As China and Vietnam are both state controlled regimes, a lack of and access to information plays a big role here. Generational and cultural beliefs still apply, with outdated and unproven hypotheses that are not questioned and hence followed blindly. The newly affluent are ready to splash out on ancestral traditions and in some cases to quite extreme measures – there are stories of people selling their homes to acquire rhino horn or ivory.

Top Level Accountability

It is important to note that each party within the value chain plays a key role in the success of this illicit trade. Although they play an extremely important role on the ground, local rangers and conservation organisations alone will not make the ultimate difference; it is addressing the entire organised crime syndicate. We must do what we can to protect the species from poachers and their informants, but what needs to be addressed is the root problem – from the source of the demand to organised crime syndicates. After all, it is the demand that ultimately finances the entire operation. 

Photo: Chags Photography by Amish Chhagan.

Even with access to more reliable and accurate information, awareness campaigns and education, there is no simple overnight solution to change the perceptions of the end consumers; cultural and traditional beliefs will still linger on for a generation or two. Unfortunately, the species do not have this time. The average rate at which the rhinos are being slaughtered over the last decade is clearly unsustainable. With continued poaching rates, combined with destruction of habitat and climate change, it would not be surprising if only a few hundred rhinos are left in a decade, if that. 

Whilst there is much to do in stopping poachers, educating local communities and attempting to break aged beliefs, the key stakeholder that has the power to severely disrupt this value chain is the government – both African and East Asian governments. Although there is a world-wide ban on poaching and illicit trafficking, it is clear the systems in place are not working – probably deliberately. It is easy to label this as corruption and this word tends to be thrown around a lot, generalising that the entire government is this way, especially in Africa. In fact, it is likely a few individuals that have found a loophole that they can take advantage of for financial gain and power. The people at the top have the power and ability to create change – but they have to want to. The leaders of the China and Vietnam governments could make a huge impact with very little resource and financial investment to clamp down corrupt custom officials, underground retailers, enforce bans and hefty fines, as well as implement accessible information and educational resources. 

A Bright Spot: Solio Ranch

Originally a cattle ranch, Solio Game Reserve was formed as part of a conservation effort initiated by the owners, The Parfet Family. They apportioned a huge part of the land for conservation and breeding of rhinos, in particular the threatened black rhino. It was the first of its kind in Africa with an ambitious objective to protect and breed rhinos, given rhino poaching was increasing at a rate that would surely wipe out the species in Kenya. Black rhino populations in Kenya dropped from around 18,000 in the late 1960’s to less than 1,500 by 1980 and about 400 in 1990. The Kenyan Government in the 1970s supported and helped with the protection of the sanctuary with the Kenyan Armed Forces as well as Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).

Rhino orphan feeding time in the 1970’s. Photo: Solio Game Reserve.

Rhino being reintroduced. Photo: Solio Game Reserve.

Despite the downward trend, this small unknown conservancy was quietly fostering populations of both black and white rhinos. By the mid-1980’s, the conservancy had to be expanded due to concerns of overpopulation. Eventually Solio Game Reserve became a primary breeding ground, supplying national parks all over the country including Lewa, Lake Nakuru National Park and Ol Pejeta, as well as helping to restock populations in Southern and East Africa. One can trace most black rhinos in Eastern Africa back to Solio Game Reserve – this is called impact. 

Photo: Chags Photography by Amish Chhagan.

This conservancy has not gone by without its own challenges. 

The early 2000’s saw a rapid spike in poaching in the area and in particular targeting Solio Game Reserve. Along with protection from Kenyan Armed Forces and KWS, additional private anti-poaching security was brought in. In 2005 they began a photographic database of all the rhinos that reside in the park to ensure that every animal is watched over and monitored. These efforts immediately made it close to impossible for poachers to breach and ensure long term monitoring programs were in place. 

Solio Game Reserve plays a central role in the rehabilitation of the species in East Africa, boasting the most successful private rhino breeding reserve in the world which then helps to facilitate reintroduction of rhinos all over Africa.

Photo: Chags Photography by Amish Chhagan.

“No one in the world needs a Rhino horn but a Rhino.”

― Paul Oxton

A fitting quote for what has been an emotionally difficult article to research and write, for the most part. Whilst some arguments may come across as disheartening, there are some bright spots and places in parts of Africa that are creating impact and making a difference – Solio Game Reserve is one such example. We may feel helpless, but by simply reading this article, you already have contributed to the cause – knowledge and awareness is the first step.  

Photo: Chags Photography by Amish Chhagan.

Featured image: Chags Photography by Amish Chhagan

Check out other Earth.Org’s photostories here.

—

About the author

Amish Chhagan is a Zambia-raised, award-winning wildlife and conservation photographer based out of Barcelona, Spain. He is one of the latest additions to the Earth.Org Photographer network. Visit his website or follow him on Instagram.

The post EXCLUSIVE: In Pictures – Close Encounters of White Rhinos appeared first on Earth.Org.