The Success of Rhino Dehorning on MalaMala Game Reserve: Safeguarding a Species.
Share this post
The safari industry, deeply rooted in the preservation and appreciation of wildlife, often finds itself at the forefront of conservation efforts. The fight against rhino poaching has, for the last decade, demanded much of our attention here at MalaMala. It has taken a heavy toll on rhinos across the continent and it has cut deep into our collective conscience. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. Dehorning has proven to be a successful, proactive measure in protecting our rhino population from the relentless scourge of poaching.
Why Dehorning?
Rhino poaching is driven primarily by the high demand for their horns, which are falsely believed to have medicinal properties in some cultures. This demand has brought the species to the brink of extinction. As traditional anti-poaching measures such as increased surveillance and patrolling struggle to curb the crisis, we’ve turned to dehorning as a last-ditch effort to reduce the appeal of rhinos to poachers. Dehorning involves the safe removal of a rhino’s horn by highly trained veterinarians and the MalaMala conservation team. The procedure is painless for the animal when done correctly, as the horn itself is made of keratin (like human fingernails) and grows back over time. By removing the horn, poachers are disincentivized from targeting dehorned rhinos, as they no longer offer the valuable prize that drives the illegal trade.Do rhinos need their horns? A very important consideration!
Rhinos use their horns for several behavioural functions, including defending territories, defending calves from other rhinos and predators, maternal care (including guiding calves) and foraging behaviour, such as digging for water. However, they are not essential for survival.
The Impact of Dehorning
The results of our dehorning efforts have been remarkably positive. We have not lost a single rhino to poaching in almost two years, making the procedure one of the most effective short-term strategies available for immediate protection.Challenges and the Future of Dehorning
Despite its success, dehorning is not without challenges. The procedure must be repeated every 12-24 months as the horns naturally grow back. This makes it labour-intensive and costly. Moreover, it requires continuous monitoring of rhino populations to ensure that they remain safe post-dehorning, as a hornless rhino is still vulnerable in areas with insufficient anti-poaching measures. Reassuringly our studies show that dehorning has minimal negative impact on their overall well-being and ability to survive in the wild. We observed a correlation between the increasing number of dehorned rhinos and the decrease in the number of poached animals. Furthermore, we observed that natural mortality did not increase with dehorning, which is very important because it shows that dehorning does not impair survival.How you can get involved.
Guests coming to MalaMala when we are undertaking the dehorning exercise can enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime, rare opportunity to get up close and personal with these gentle giants while assisting in the conservation of this endangered species. This thrilling experience allows guests to be part of a dehorning operation. Available at an additional cost (all of which goes towards covering the cost of the operation) and subject to the availability of the wildlife veterinarian and helicopter pilot. Together, we’ll fight to ensure that the sun never sets on this iconic species.Visit our Instagram Page Click Here
