Rhino Monitoring Update

Monitoring Rhinos with AI Collar Technology

To better understand and protect the rhinos, the conservation team uses AI-enabled GPS collars. These collars allow rangers and conservationists to track the animals’ movements in real time and analyse their behaviour over time.

Movement data is analysed over 90-day periods and visualised through heat maps, which help identify areas the rhinos visit frequently. These “hotspots” are often linked to important resources such as water points, grazing areas, or resting sites. Understanding these patterns helps rangers improve habitat management and strengthen protection efforts across the reserve.

The rhinos currently monitored in the project include Antares, Babelegi, Grace, Jack, Lavara, Marula, Raphele, Shinkwe, and Solare. Each animal has unique movement patterns and habitat preferences that contribute valuable information for conservation planning.

Challenges and Maintenance

As with any technology used in remote wildlife environments, collars occasionally require maintenance. Earlier in 2025, several collars experienced technical issues such as battery failures or broken bands. Some collars were temporarily lost when animals moved through dense vegetation or terrain.

Thanks to the quick response of the field teams, replacement collars were installed and repairs carried out to restore the monitoring system. Continuous monitoring is essential not only for studying rhino behaviour but also for improving anti-poaching protection and rapid response capabilities.

Currently, the majority of collars are functioning well, allowing the team to maintain reliable tracking of the animals.

Rhino Movement and Habitat Use

Movement data collected throughout the year has provided valuable insight into how the rhinos use the reserve. Some individuals, such as Marula and Babelegi, cover significant distances across the landscape, while others remain within smaller preferred areas.

Several important hotspot areas have been identified across the reserve. Many rhinos frequently use areas such as Kudu Camp, Marula Camp, and nearby water sources. These locations offer nutritious grasses and reliable water, which attract the animals throughout the seasons.

During the winter months, supplementary feeding also influenced rhino movements, drawing them toward certain feeding stations. As seasonal rains returned and natural vegetation recovered, the rhinos gradually began spreading out again across the reserve to take advantage of the growing grasses.

These movement patterns provide important information that helps conservation teams manage the habitat more effectively and ensure that the rhinos continue to thrive.

Why Monitoring Matters

Tracking rhinos is about much more than collecting data. It allows conservation teams to:

• Monitor the wellbeing and safety of each individual rhino
• Detect unusual movement patterns that may indicate risk
• Identify key habitats and feeding areas
• Improve anti-poaching protection strategies
• Support long-term conservation planning

By combining modern technology with experienced rangers and conservationists on the ground, the project creates a powerful system for protecting these iconic animals.

Working Together to Protect Rhinos

The success of this project would not be possible without the collaboration between conservation organisations, field teams, veterinarians, and supporters who believe in the importance of protecting wildlife.

At Wild at Life e.V., we are deeply grateful for the dedication of our partners and supporters who help make this work possible. Every step taken to monitor and protect these animals contributes to securing a future for rhinos in the wild.

Together, we can ensure that these magnificent animals continue to roam safely in their natural habitat for generations to come.

Thank you for standing with us in the fight to protect endangered wildlife.