A Lifeline For Rhinos | Mule Patrol Unit

A Lifeline For Rhinos | Mule Patrol Unit


In our earlier weblog about Namibia, we shared the particular panorama of Namibia’s Kunene Area, alongside its distinctive rhinos and dedicated communities. The rocky, desert panorama really is a spot like no different. Hours, and even days, of driving and strolling would nonetheless not deliver you to its  furthest factors. Even if you happen to may cowl the gap, Kunene’s mixture of towering mountains, rocky gravel plains and deep sand dunes makes travelling into its most obscure spots by foot or by automotive nearly unimaginable.

So, it’s maybe no shock that defending the Kunene, and its wild inhabitants, additionally requires revolutionary approaches. Certainly one of these is the Mule Patrol Unit. A staff of 4 mules and riders, the Unit was established in 2021 to spice up rhino monitoring, serving to to seek out animals that might in any other case stay ‘hidden’ inside the remotest depths of this distinctive panorama.

You could be questioning, why mules? As a cross between a horse and donkey, mules provide a singular mixture of the 2 species that match effectively with the calls for of the Kunene. With nice endurance, small hooves (when in comparison with a horse) and resistance to among the Area’s indigenous illnesses, the final traits of a mule make them an excellent animal for patrols over rocky floor for as much as 50km a day.

However their bodily attributes aren’t the only cause for his or her success. By caring for the mules and spending a lot time collectively, a particular bond has developed between rangers and their four-legged associates. Kindness, compassion, and shared experiences have cultivated a deep belief, benefiting each the rangers and the mules whereas they’re out on patrol. As Noag, the Unit’s Supervisor, says:

We now have a partnership between us, a quiet understanding.

Out right here, it’s belief that retains us secure. We belief the mules they usually belief us. We’re guiding one another by way of the desert as one staff.

Final yr, whereas masking a whole lot of kilometres, the Mule Patrol Unit logged quite a few rhino sightings that might in any other case have been missed by patrols unable to entry probably the most secluded elements of the Kunene. Extra just lately, the Unit carried out a mini census of rhinos dwelling in a high-risk poaching space. Their means to assemble this significant info highlights the significance of their presence throughout an enormous space, alongside their talent and experience to hunt out rhinos in troublesome terrain.

From at this time, as a part of The Large Give Christmas Problem, we’re aiming to boost £90,000 to assist the essential and unimaginable work of the Mule Patrol Unit. With this funding, we may give Noag and his staff the gear they should sustain their patrols, safely, successfully and in consolation.

For only one week, because of beneficiant match donors, each donation made to the Mule Patrol Unit attraction might be doubled. Your £10 may turn into £20, serving to pay for the mules’ meals and care for 2 days. Please stand with us and maintain this very important lifeline for Kunene’s rhinos going.

DONATE NOW

Thanks on your ongoing assist.





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