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Blythe
Loutit - 14.11.1940 - 14.06.2005.
The
loss of one of the greatest conservationists of our time
Obituary by David Shepherd
 My
most endearing and personal memory of Blythe is travelling in
to the desert perched on the roof rack of her land-rover beside
her beloved dogs searching for black rhino…….. the fact
that we almost always managed to find one of these magnificent
animals was entirely due to the life's work of this remarkable
woman……..
Blythe Loutit grew up in the freedom of
the African bush on a farm in Natal, South Africa, where a herd
of wild eland ran free with her horses. Using her artistic skills
and love of nature, she started her career working as a botanical
illustrator for the Natal Parks Board.
On moving to Namibia with her husband Rudi
shortly after they were married, she was horrified to witness
the slaughter of wildlife. The world's last remaining population
of desert-adapted rhino was being systematically butchered for
profit and would have died out.
In response, Blythe set up Save the Rhino
Trust (SRT) which became her life's work. This personal initiative
turned around almost certain extinction for the black rhino in
Namibia.
When she established SRT in 1980, the country
was undergoing huge changes politically and economically, facing
wars on all sides and struggling for independence. Poaching from
waring factions was widespread and Blythe also had to battle as
a woman in a very male dominated environment, proving her immense
courage and dedication. At this time, the number of Black Rhino
in this region had crashed to approximately 30-60.
Today, due to the leadership and determination
of this unique lady and her small dedicated team, including 20
local Namibians who track and monitor the animals, rhino numbers
in this unique ecosystem have increased to between 100-200. They
are now the last truly wild black rhinos in Africa, not fenced
or under armed guard.
 Working
in full co-operation with local people at all levels, SRT's reputation
amongst community leaders is second to none - its work is focused
on anti-poaching and monitoring, training and management, and
working with village communities, government officials and community
tourism programmes.
With Namibia being the last stronghold of
the truly wild black rhino this project is possibly one of the
most important in Africa and remains a shining example of a successful
community based conservation programme.
Blythe travelled the world championing the
cause and raising funds and awareness.
She was a highly respected member of the
African Rhino Specialist Group and received many awards, including
the IUCN/SCC Peter Scott Award in 1988, the Operation Survival
Award in 1991 and the BBC Animal Award for Conservation in 2001.
However, due to illness, Blythe was forced
to retire as Director of SRT, but she remained intimately involved
and passionately committed to the end.
Blythe will be remembered by conservationists
the world over as having done arguably more than anyone else on
this planet for black rhinos. This is her legacy to the world.
We are proud as a Foundation to be associated
with her great work and must now do everything in our power to
continue in her memory.
Blythe will also be remembered as a highly
talented and respected botanical and wildlife artist - she never
failed to support our Art for Survival wildlife auctions to raise
funds for her beloved rhinos.
We have lost a dear dear friend - one of
the warmest, funniest, most compassionate and committed women
of our time - we will miss her deeply and our hearts go out to
Rudi, her family and friends.
If you would like to send letters or messages
of condolences please send them to us at DSWF and we will ensure
that they are forwarded directly to Rudi and SRT.
If you would like to make a donation in
memory of Blythe to help save Namibia's black rhinos please call
DSWF (01483 272323) or write to us ….…every penny will
go directly to SRT to continue Blythe's work.
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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