Progress Update: Rhino Conservation at Insimbi Legacy Reserve

Project Timeline & Milestones

1. September 2023: Project inception, initial field assessments and preparation for GPS collaring.

2. October 2023: First set of white rhinos collared with AI-powered GPS devices.

3. October 2024: Major storm damages one gateway tower; repairs completed using reserve’s own resources.

4. Q4 2024 (October–December):

   Six out of nine collars transmitting effectively.

   • Field teams conduct quarterly data analysis using Earth Ranger.

   • Six out of nine collars transmitting effectively.

   • Rhino Raphele gives birth to a healthy calf, Rapula.

5. February 2025: New collar successfully deployed on Marula to replace malfunctioning unit.

6. Q1 2025 (January–March):

   • Six gateway towers fully operational.

   • New Rhino Monitoring & Volunteer Coordinator hired.

   • Improved field communications established with updated radio system.

Key Conservation Actions

1. GPS Collaring & Monitoring
   A total of 9 rhinos were collared between Q4 2023 and Q1 2025. Each collar transmits live location data, enabling heat map analysis and early response to unusual movement. The collars have allowed us to identify behavioral ranges, alerting rangers if animals stray near perimeter zones.

2. Notable Individual Monitoring

   • Antares covered over 193 km between January and March 2025, primarily in the northeast zone.

   • Lavara showed one of the widest ranges at over 330 km, highlighting expansive territory usage.

   • Raphele, a female with a calf, stayed closer to water and safety zones, traveling only 45 km.

3. Security Enhancements

   • Earth Ranger tech is used to map movements and detect threats in real time.

   • Improved patrol coordination ensures protection of rhinos near boundary zones.

   • New volunteer and monitoring personnel on site since Q1 2025.

   • Tower network and GPS infrastructure maintained continuously.

Challenges & Responses

• Collar Wear & Malfunction:
  Some collars detached or failed due to hardware limits; replacements were swiftly implemented.

• Infrastructure Damage:
  Extreme weather affected tower infrastructure in late 2024. We acted rapidly to restore full functionality.

• Communication Limitations:
  Poor mobile reception remains a challenge. We now rely on two-way radio systems for real-time coordination in the field.

Outlook & Impact

With the successful collaring and monitoring of rhinos, including new births like Rapula, we are moving toward more predictive, preventive protection. By combining veterinary expertise, cutting-edge tech, and committed on-the-ground presence, Wild at Life and its partners continue to secure the future of rhinos in conflict-prone regions.

As we expand this work, continued funding and global support remain essential. These months have shown that in even the most remote and insecure areas, conservation is possible when technology, teamwork, and compassion align.

We Need Your Help

Protecting rhinos is a race against time. Every collar fitted, every patrol dispatched, and every tower maintained plays a vital role in keeping these magnificent animals safe. But none of it is possible without your help.

Please consider making a donation to our efforts. Even a small contribution can fund a patrol shift, repair vital equipment, or provide care for an injured animal.

Huge Success For Species Conservation

We are very happy to announce a big Win for the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit Team last week as 5 suspects were arrested with Ivory, pangolin scales andsnares!
Our growing informer network is reaping fantastic rewards leading to anexcellent arrest.
Information was obtained of individuals in possession of illegal wildlifecontraband and our teams immediately jumped into action.
A game of cat and mouse ensued ending with a sting operation which resulted inthe arrest of 5 suspects, the recovery of a piece of ivory, over 300 pangolinscales as well as 17 heavy duty cable snares.
These arrests mark a huge win for conservation in our area.
Massive thanks to the Police Minerals Flora and Fauna Unit as well as theNational Parks Investigations Team for the hard work and late hour operations.
We are committed to the safeguarding and preservation of our natural world andare confident that the maximum penalty will be issued to these culprits.