With conservation efforts more vital than ever, CHEP, a supply chain solutions company, partnered with Wildlife ACT to protect Africa’s iconic and endangered species, the rhino. This collaboration not only aligns with CHEP’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives but also reinforces the company’s deep-rooted commitment to environmental sustainability. Together, they are working to safeguard the future of rhinos and ensure the preservation of biodiversity for generations to come.
The rhino crisis
Rhinos continue to suffer the severe threat of poaching, driven by an insatiable demand for their horns in parts of Asia where it is believed to possess ‘medicinal’ properties or unceremoniously portrayed as a status symbol. South Africa, home to some of the last significant populations of black and white rhinos, is the epicentre of the crisis. Fewer than 6,200 black rhinos remain, classifying the species as critically endangered, while white rhinos continue to decline at an alarming rate.
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), with its high concentration of rhinos, is at the forefront of this battle. Parks like Hluhluwe-iMfolozi (HiP) have historically played a key role in the species’ conservation. However, relentless poaching continues to endanger this critical population. Without immediate intervention, KZN’s rhinos could face extinction within the next few decades.
Partners in conservation
CHEP’s partnership with Wildlife ACT, a South African conservation non-profit organisation, is a testament to the company’s CSR and sustainability ethos. Wildlife ACT is renowned for its work in endangered species conservation, with a focus on strategic wildlife monitoring, community engagement, and habitat protection. Together, CHEP and Wildlife ACT have made significant strides in safeguarding rhinos in KZN through a series of impactful interventions.
Dehorning
A key conservation strategy is the dehorning of rhinos – a preventative measure that involves the careful removal of a rhino’s horns to deter poaching. With the support of CHEP, Wildlife ACT has assisted in dehorning a significant proportion of the rhino population at two key sites: Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and Somkhanda Game Reserve.
Dehorning is a delicate process, undertaken by qualified veterinarians ensuring the utmost care for the animals’ wellbeing. Dehorning significantly lowers the risk of rhinos being targeted by poachers. This process must be repeated every 18-24 months as the horns grow back, but the immediate benefit is clear: rhinos are safer, and their population has a chance to recover.
Protecting future generations
In addition to dehorning, CHEP has supported the relocation of orphaned rhinos, where young rhinos whose mothers have been poached are reared within a secure environment. These orphans are rehabilitated with the hope of reintroducing them back into the wild when they are strong enough to survive on their own.
Tracking and monitoring are also critical components of this conservation work. CHEP’s contribution has enabled the fitment of tracking units on rhinos, allowing conservation teams to monitor the movements of both black and white rhinos. This data is invaluable in managing the populations and ensuring the safety of these endangered animals.
A broader impact
CHEP’s collaboration with Wildlife ACT stretches beyond the protection of rhinos. It also involves working closely with local communities to create awareness and foster a sense of shared responsibility for wildlife conservation. Somkhanda Game Reserve, where much of the dehorning takes place, is a community-owned reserve, offering a unique opportunity to align conservation efforts with local socio-economic development.
By engaging communities in these initiatives, CHEP helps create a sustainable conservation model where people and wildlife can coexist and thrive. This aligns with the company’s larger sustainability goals, including addressing climate change and enhancing biodiversity while supporting local economies.
Driving sustainability and CSR forward
At its core, CHEP’s involvement in rhino conservation through Wildlife ACT reflects the company’s broader commitment to building a better, more sustainable future. Through responsible business practices, CHEP aims to reduce environmental impact and contribute meaningfully to the preservation of the planet’s most vulnerable species.
The Rhino Conservation Programme is just one leading example of how CHEP’s CSR and sustainability efforts go hand in hand, creating a lasting positive impact on wildlife, ecosystems, and communities. As the fight to save rhinos continues, CHEP remains a dedicated partner in ensuring that future generations can experience the awe of these magnificent creatures in the wild.
A future for rhinos
While the rhino poaching crisis remains a daunting challenge, the efforts of Wildlife ACT, CHEP, and other conservation partners offer hope for the future. Through a range of conservation interventions, such as dehorning, community engagement and scientific research, the conservation community is making meaningful strides toward ensuring that these majestic creatures will continue to roam the African savannah for generations to come.
