weekly newspaper.
In a meeting of rhino owners, wildlife vets, conservation NGOs, eco-economists, security experts and SANParks organised by Daily Maverick 168, the outline of a conservation framework began to emerge to offset the alarming decline in the number of wild rhinos in South Africa, where most live.
Key to this would be patrolled strongholds within and outside national parks until poaching can be brought under control. We also need a new global narrative that sees all rhinos as an international herd and a biodiversity treasure. And every rhino keeper, state or private, should be regarded as their custodians.
In a previous article we outlined the problems and bitter polarities in the rhino debate. Asking for a relaxation of entrenched positions with a view to solutions, we called together a wide range of people with specialist knowledge.