The helicopter translocation represents the fastest risk-free process of removing rhinos

Nov 8, 2011 08:05 GMT  ·  By
So far, the animals conservation group managed to save the lives of 120 black rhinos through translocating operations
   So far, the animals conservation group managed to save the lives of 120 black rhinos through translocating operations

It is the seventh time when officials from the WWF try to find a suitable home for the black rhino, in order to encourage its breeding and expansion.

While trying to achieve this goal, the representatives joined efforts to take the species out of its habitat from South Africa's Eastern Cape and relocate it in the Limpopo province.

The mission was quite difficult, since the WWF members had to struggle with considerable distances and the number of animals they had to carry.

Despite the common bumps in the road which any initiative of this kind is likely to stumble upon, the eco-group succeeded in completing it, since it relied on the help of wildlife veterinarians, Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency, SANParks and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

Officials from all these institutions agreed to work in partnership to make sure that poaching activities won't threaten the life of the already-endangered Black Rhino anymore, one of the most exquisite wildlife creatures one might still be able to find in its natural home.

Despite the fact that this field of activity might not seem open to innovations, capture teams from the WWF have managed to introduce a new technique, which allows them to extract creatures from areas that are difficult to reach, using a helicopter.

“Previously rhinos were either transported by lorry over very difficult tracks, or airlifted in a net. This new procedure is gentler on the darted rhino because it shortens the time it has to be kept asleep with drugs, the respiration is not as compromised as it can be in a net and it avoids the need for travel in a crate over terrible tracks,” affirmed Dr Jacques Flamand, the WWF project leader.

The new hosts for the endangered creatures have to prove that the potential new home imply a high level of safety. So far, the animals conservation group managed to save the lives of 120 black rhinos through translocating operations, while also ensuring the natural balance of seven significant black rhino populations in only eight years.

Their final goal is much more ambitious, as WWF plans to increase the range and number of these creatures in South Africa.