The Rhino Keepers: Struggle For Survival

Description

Few animals face as violent, as well organised, and as determined an enemy as the world's rhinos. Across the continent, rhinos are being slaughtered on a daily basis and approximately 5,000 black rhinos and 21,000 white rhinos are all that prevent Africa's rhinos from extinction. The Rhino Keepers is a personal story of the conservation of the rhinos in southern Africa. It charts the ongoing struggle for survival of these amazing animals told through the experiences and insights of preeminent conservationists, Clive and Anton Walker. Clive's and Anton's book describes these fascinating animals and the reason behind their historical decline, the myths that surround them and discusses the resurrection of the rhino horn trade. They carefully unpack the complications of opening up a 'legal' trade in horn and the views of those who oppose such measures. This real life account of the rhino wars presents a harrowing story that underscores the enormous challenges that lie ahead for conservation in a world where rhino horns sold by the gram raise double the price of gold and are more expensive than cocaine in the end-user Asian markets.
This book is for anyone who has been appalled over the past few years at the senseless slaughter of these magnificent animals. It urges readers to question the way we manage our natural heritage and implores us to recognise our role as rhino keepers of the future.

Reviews

"Clive Walker is one of Southern Africa's most respected conservationists. . . . When he talks about rhinos, you need to pay attention. It's always important." --Don Pinnock, author, "African Journeys"

Author description

Clive Walker is the cofounder of the African Rhino Owners Association and the Rhino and Elephant Foundation. He served on the South African National Parks Board for more than 13 years and on the South African Parks Board for six years. Anton Walker is the general manager of the Lapalala Wilderness nature reserve in South Africa.