The brains behind an ambitious plan to try and save the African rhino from poachers by relocating breeding pairs to the Australian outback is counting the days until the first animals arrive later this year.
Australian Rhino Project founder Ray Dearlove, who immigrated “Down Under” 28 years ago, said there was much international support for the unique conservation initiative, and plans were being made to move the first 20 breeding pairs.
He said it was hoped that 150 black and white rhino would be safely moved to Australia from South Africa by 2021.
Although Dearlove initially doubted the idea, the 67-year-old said top-level research since 2013 into habitats, permit requirements and the impacts of transporting the animals long distances by air had proved the idea was not pie-in-the-sky.
“It has all been well researched and we are determined to make it happen. It is not in our plans to fail. I am very excited. There is a lot of momentum here to make it happen.”
Kariega Private Game Reserve general manager Alan Weyer yesterday said moving the rhino was a good idea in principle.
Weyer said the ultimate aim would be to preserve rhino in their natural environment, but the poaching situation in South Africa meant all options had to be considered.
Dearlove said air travel was the safest and quickest way to get the animals to Australia as proven by transporting 52 rhino to the country in recent years for other projects.
He said the project had already been approved by the Australian government and a not-for-profit company had been formed to raise funds for the relocations.
“They have been unbelievably supportive considering the animal is not native to Australia and that the poaching problem is happening 10000 miles away.
“It is amazing, they want to help (solve) this global issue.”
He said the initiative had attracted new money for rhino conservation and would not impact other efforts to save the animals.
Over the next four years, dozens of breeding pairs would be located to Australia each year from local game reserves and the 150 rhino that eventually get there would be used to save the species from extinction.
“Whoever provides the rhino will always own them and their offspring.
“When the poaching (problems) are sorted out in SA, the rhino and their progeny will be returned to whomever they belong.”
“There is no poaching in Australia. If one rhino were poached all hell would break loose.” — davidm@dispatch.co.za
Relocating rhino to beat poachers
Australian Rhino Project founder Ray Dearlove, who immigrated “Down Under” 28 years ago, said there was much international support for the unique conservation initiative, and plans were being made to move the first 20 breeding pairs.
He said it was hoped that 150 black and white rhino would be safely moved to Australia from South Africa by 2021.
Although Dearlove initially doubted the idea, the 67-year-old said top-level research since 2013 into habitats, permit requirements and the impacts of transporting the animals long distances by air had proved the idea was not pie-in-the-sky.
“It has all been well researched and we are determined to make it happen. It is not in our plans to fail. I am very excited. There is a lot of momentum here to make it happen.”
Kariega Private Game Reserve general manager Alan Weyer yesterday said moving the rhino was a good idea in principle.
Weyer said the ultimate aim would be to preserve rhino in their natural environment, but the poaching situation in South Africa meant all options had to be considered.
Dearlove said air travel was the safest and quickest way to get the animals to Australia as proven by transporting 52 rhino to the country in recent years for other projects.
He said the project had already been approved by the Australian government and a not-for-profit company had been formed to raise funds for the relocations.
“They have been unbelievably supportive considering the animal is not native to Australia and that the poaching problem is happening 10000 miles away.
“It is amazing, they want to help (solve) this global issue.”
He said the initiative had attracted new money for rhino conservation and would not impact other efforts to save the animals.
Over the next four years, dozens of breeding pairs would be located to Australia each year from local game reserves and the 150 rhino that eventually get there would be used to save the species from extinction.
“Whoever provides the rhino will always own them and their offspring.
“When the poaching (problems) are sorted out in SA, the rhino and their progeny will be returned to whomever they belong.”
“There is no poaching in Australia. If one rhino were poached all hell would break loose.” — davidm@dispatch.co.za
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