Project update - April 2006

Report from Chairman of the Trustees, Bruce Norris, following his recent visit to Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) in Namibia

After a very rough drive over ten kilometres of rock road, we finally arrived at Ugab -the Southern base of SRT Namibia. Bernd Brell, the SRT operations manager, was there to greet us and show us around and brief us on the site. The base is in the Ugab river which was still flowing after heavy rains during the previous week. There is an excellent information room, local craft shop and campsite with basic facilities. There was sign of elephants, but Bernd said they had all moved as a result of the rains. We had an excellent morning's walk with Bernd down the river valley which was a great contrast of water and green vegetation against the bare red rocks of the valley wall. It was a wonderful opportunity to talk to Bernd about his operations and the problems involved. A more dedicated and knowledgeable person would be difficult to find.

Next day we were able to understand why Bernd uses four sets of tyres a year-at a cost of over £2500 - as we drove up the Ugab river and over Divorce Pass,-so named as it is a good test for harmony of newlywed couples in a 4x4 vehicle!!! -to Palmwag, the main base for SRT Namibia. On the way we visited the location where Hope died and Bernd was able to examine her remains with a metal detector to confirm that there were no bullets involved and confirm she had died of natural causes. The drive took over eight hours over a wide variety of very hard terrain. The SRT headquarters has developed well and has an excellent database on the desert rhinos. This is run by Simson and updated constantly by the patrols in the field.

I had an afternoon talking to Rudi Loutit, the Director of SRT, and Bernd about their operations and problems. They emphasised the importance of the DSWF contribution to their work. Without it it is quite likely that their operation would collapse. As it is, they are under constant pressure from the government who make little financial contribution and are even now pressing for limited hunting of the black rhino. I was very impressed by how much their decisions were coloured by the lack of finance. I asked Rudi to prepare a complete breakdown of where their money went annually so we can see how much more we can help.

The Palmwag area had had some rains and was covered in wonderful green lush grass. We visited the Camel Camp, from where the camel patrols move into the more difficult areas, on our way up to the Hoenib river. Here we were fortunate to see 9 desert elephants including Clarisa with her two month old baby. A truly wonderful sight of another endangered species looked after by SRT. However their environment is under considerable threat from irresponsible 4x4 drivers visiting the area and disturbing the animals.

I found it a humbling experience to see at firsthand the effort and sacrifice that the SRT staff put into conserving their animals. It brought home to me again, as it has on my visit to other DSWF projects, how what may seem a small sum to us is huge (and vital) to them in keeping their projects going. I hope we can continue to support them and find other sponsors to give them the funds necessary to continue to protect the desert rhinos and elephants in their charge.

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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