The Mkomazi Rhino Sanctuary
The 45 sq km Mkomazi Rhino Sanctuary (MRS) was planned in 1991/92, initially by the then Directors of Wildlife and TWD project manager, and subsequently with support, advice and consultation of numerous rhino conservation specialists around Africa (Kenya Wildlife Service, National Parks Board South Africa, Association of Private Land Rhino Sanctuaries (Kenya) and members of the IUCN / SSC African Rhino Specialist Group. Funded by GAWPT and its supporters, and drawing on successful elements of rhino sanctuary models from Kenya, the fenced MRS was constructed and staffed during 1996/97, a significant investment and statement of confidence by external donors in the future of the MGR and the management partnership of GAWPT and the TWD.
The initial founder stock of four rhinos was sourced from the highly successful out-of-range population of D.b.michaeli in Addo NP in South Africa. Prior to approving the sale and translocation of any rhinos to Tanzania, the South African National Parks (SANP) carried out their own detailed assessment of the MRS area which contained a thorough examination of all ecological criteria and carrying capacity considerations. The first four rhinos were successfully translocated by air to the MRS from Addo NP in November 1997, and released into the sanctuary after a 5-6 week period in holding pens. In October 2001 a further translocation of four D.b.michaeli black rhino (two males, two females) was undertaken successfully, bringing the founder population to eight rhino. These four were also obtained from SANP and were flown into Mkomazi by a Russian Antonov. They were kept in holding bomas for 5 weeks before being released into separate sections of the sanctuary with telemetry transmitters implanted into their horns.
Two internal fences were constructed in the rhino sanctuary creating introduction vacuums into which these new rhino could be introduced without interference from the established population. This granted the newcomers the freedom to adapt to the environment, yet offered them some form of contact with the founder animals. Once the newcomers had settled, large sections of the internal fence were removed thus facilitating their introduction into the sanctuary. This fence will can be used again for another introduction vacuum or for extending the sanctuary.
The animals have been kept under close surveillance since and the security in and around the sanctuary has been maintained at a high standard. GAWPT sent the MRS rhino guards and TWD rangers on a training course at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority sent in 26 men from their Rhino Surveillance Team to undertake training on sanctuary operations under the MRS personnel. The Selous Game Reserve Rhino Rangers and the Serengeti National Park rangers have also been sent to the MRS to undertake operational training.
Water pans have been constructed which give easier dry season viewing and in the wet season, trackers on foot make contact every few days with visual sightings between seven to ten days. A large network of roads and firebreaks has been constructed both inside and outside the sanctuary with external patrols conducted on a random basis over and above normal MGR patrolling. Three extra camps have been constructed adjacent to the eastern boundary of the sanctuary and has been equipped with radios on the MRS frequency, significantly enhancing perimeter security. One outpost has been constructed at Maore Water Pan, on the border with Tsavo National Park, and further outposts are in operation at Kifakua and Kamakota. More observation posts have been constructed within the rhino sanctuary.
An underground observation bunker has been constructed close to a favored water pan, which will allow MRS personnel un-intrusive sightings of rhino when they come to drink. This observation bunker can also be used for school visits, and other educational groups.
GAWPT has acquired a Scania Crane lorry which has a detachable 10,000 litre water tank. The crane can be used with a sling to lift a rhino and crate (total weight two tons) in the event of a break-out and also for off-loading rhino in their crates on future translocations. The detachable water tank can also supply water to both rhino and MRS personnel. We also have the ability to fit home made benches onto the back of the lorry, once the water tank is lifted off. This will enable us to bring school children into the reserve.