Rwanda to Receive 70 White Rhinos from South Africa in Historic Wildlife Relocation

Rwanda is set to welcome 70 white rhinos from South Africa later this month, marking the country’s largest-ever relocation of the endangered species. The animals will be transported to Akagera National Park as part of efforts to grow the rhino population and secure their future in the region.

The rhinos will travel over 3,400 kilometres from South Africa to Rwanda in a carefully coordinated operation aimed at boosting conservation and supporting biodiversity. Akagera National Park announced the news in a statement on Thursday, calling it a major milestone for wildlife protection.

“This event marks a key milestone in rhino conservation and showcases our collective efforts to protect and sustainably manage Akagera National Park,” the park said.

White rhinos once roamed widely across sub-Saharan Africa but suffered dramatic declines due to hunting and poaching. The southern white rhino, one of two subspecies, is now listed as “near threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with around 17,000 individuals left in the wild.

The situation is more critical for the northern white rhino, with only two females remaining. Scientists are trying to rescue the subspecies from extinction using advanced reproductive technology, creating embryos using eggs from one of the remaining rhinos and sperm from deceased males.

Rhino poaching in Africa continues to be a threat. The International Rhino Foundation (IRF) reported a 4% increase in poaching between 2022 and 2023, with at least 586 rhinos killed last year.

Despite this, South Africa has seen a slight rise in its white rhino population. Rwanda, which is building its reputation as a premier safari destination, previously received 30 white rhinos in 2021.

The new group of 70 rhinos is expected to strengthen breeding efforts and help establish a secure, growing population in Rwanda.

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Sourced:African Insider

Picture: International Rhino Foundation