September Rhino Management Operation

Each year the Lowveld Rhino Trust runs two rhino management operations in Bubye Valley Conservancy.

The second operation has just been completed successfully with fifteen rhino calves ear notched to ensure we can keep actuate track of all the rhinos in this population individually. We were very encouraged to find that twelve of these calves were females which will add considerably to the breeding performance in the years to come.

In addition to the ear-notching of calves, adult rhinos were also dehorned and fitted with horn transmitters.

The late dry season bush gave excellent visibility with the majority of trees having no leaves at this time. Between the rhino monitors, the LRT Husky spotter plane and the BVC helicopter a total of 123 rhino sightings were recorded in the one week operation.

After last seasons exceptional rains the rhinos are in very good body condition even at this advanced stage in the dry season.