R10 Million Boost for African Rhino Conservation as Australian Project Concludes

The Australian Rhino Project (TARP), originally launched to safeguard African rhinos amid a devastating poaching crisis, has officially been discontinued. Established in 2013 by Ray Dearlove and Allan Davies, TARP aimed to relocate hundreds of rhinos to Australia as a safeguard against extinction. However, evolving circumstances have led to a redirection of nearly R10 million raised for the initiative towards immediate conservation efforts within Africa.

With a notable endorsement from conservation legend Dr. Ian Player and former rugby star George Gregan, TARP had raised around A$840,000 to support the breeding of African rhinos in Australia. The project was conceived during a critical juncture when South Africa was experiencing record levels of rhino poaching, with more than 1,000 rhinos killed in a single year.

As the poaching crisis persisted, TARP shifted its focus, planning to import around 80 rhinos to breeding facilities in either Australia or New Zealand. However, recent policy changes, including restrictions on exporting rhinos outside African range states, rendered the original plan unfeasible, prompting TARP to redirect its funds to seven conservation projects across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

In a statement, TARP chair Allan Davies emphasized the commitment to utilize the funds for projects that would yield tangible outcomes for rhino protection. The selected projects include: A$100,000 for relocating 12 southern white rhinos in South Africa, A$250,000 for a facility caring for orphaned rhinos, and A$100,000 for the reintroduction of black rhinos in Zimbabwe.

TARP has ensured that the funds will be monitored closely to confirm they are used effectively. The organization plans to conclude its operations once the allocated funds are disbursed and the respective projects are completed.

Source: www.dailymaverick.co.za