A LIFE’S AMBITION
The Rhino Whisperer is inspired by the true-life story of a little girl who realised her ambition to one day become Head Ranger of a wildlife conservancy, defending and protecting the African black rhino.
This is just one story within the enduring 20-year partnership between Defender and Tusk.
Advanced off-road capabilities and state-of-the-art technology are essential for the conservationists and rangers working on the ground. Together, we have supported thousands of courageous individuals, just like the Rhino Whisperer, in their efforts to protect over 50 million hectares of wildlife habitat and more than 40 at-risk species.
THE PLIGHT OF THE RHINO
Once abundant across Africa, black rhinos are threatened with extinction due to poaching and the illegal wildlife trade – the world’s 4th largest criminal industry after drugs, arms and human trafficking.
As a result of poaching driven by the demand for rhino horn, Kenya's black rhino population dropped from 20,000 in the 1960s to fewer than 300 by the 1980s. While conservation efforts, supported by organisations such as Tusk, have helped recover numbers in Kenya to just over 1,000, the species remains critically endangered across Africa.
Wildlife conservancies such as Borana and Lewa in Kenya, play a vital role in these efforts with the support of Tusk. With 93,000 acres, the black rhino population across this landscape alone has grown from just 15 in 1983 to 264 today. Together these two conservancies are home to 12 percent of all of Kenya’s black rhinos.
PEOPLE MAKING A DIFFERENCE
The success of the anti-poaching efforts, funded by Tusk across Africa, is driven by ranger teams committed to our shared mission.
Rangers are responsible for protecting the critically endangered rhinos. Allowing rangers and conservationists to monitor the animals from the safety of their vehicle, Defender can carry everything they need wherever they roam across the wildlife reserves.
STAYING FOCUSED IN THE SEARING HEAT
Rangers require their vehicles to patrol these vast and remotes areas every day, often in the searing heat of the African savannah. When staying focused is critical, Defender’s advanced climate system comes into its own, keeping the occupants cool and alert to any threats.
What they see and hear is vital. Observations are beamed from patrols to a central command centre. Wildlife managers use this vital, real-time information to coordinate the team on the ground.
RESPONDING TO THREATS. FAST.
And when time is of the essence, Defender’s uncompromising off-road capability means rangers can respond to threats, fast. Sometimes backed by a tracker dog unit, an anti-poaching team can work together to counter poaching gangs, hunting them down with advanced tracking techniques.
It is thanks to these brave men and women, who put their lives on the line every day, that we may hope for the continued survival of one of the natural world’s most majestic animals.
