In the mid 1980s, a savage slaughter of wildlife, particularly the black rhino which suffered a catastrophic 98% decline throughout Africa, was taking place in Namibia. The world's last remaining population of desert-adapted rhino, together with the desert elephant, was facing extinction. Rhino numbers were reduced to approximately 30 animals in the beautiful, remote landscape of Damaraland and Kunene province.

Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) was set up by Blythe Loutit and other concerned individuals, to work with government and local leaders to conserve the rhino in communal lands by means of anti-poaching patrols and monitoring of the animals. SRT actively conducts, promotes and supports community conservation. Benefits received through tourism really do go to the local population. Today, rhino numbers in the area have increased to between 100-200 and they are now the last truly wild black rhinos in Africa, not fenced or under armed guard. This has only been possible by anti-poaching work, monitoring and working with village communities, government officials and tourist concession holders, and there is now greatly increased local employment, an emphasis on the important role of women in the community, local education and awareness programmes.

Reasons for DSWF support:

To save one of the world's last surviving truly wild populations of black rhinos and other wildlife living in the planet's oldest desert.

DSWF funds:

As one of SRT's longest standing and most important international donors, DSWF's grants have funded the unique rhino database, which is now being used as a format for other wildlife monitoring programmes. Money is currently used to fund on-going monitoring and anti-poaching work, community education and awareness programmes, local wildlife workshops, equipment and tourism ventures.

Over 98%of the world ’s black rhinos were slaughtered during the poaching wars of the 1970s and 1980s. Namibia is home to one of the last surviving strongholds of truly wild black rhinos. Your money will fund anti-poaching operations and monitoring of the rhino and community education project.

If you are interested in contributing to this vital project to save rhinos please follow the links below to make a donation or you can phone the Foundation Office on 01483 272323.

Every little contribution helps wildlife and remember 100% of your donation will go in full to the project - thank you!

You can also help by becoming a member of DSWF. Click here for more information

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