Bonus Tydskrif SPRING SUMMER 2024 FINAL

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM), in collaboration with the Pilanesberg Wildlife Trust, recently executed a large-scale dehorning initiative at Pilanesberg National Park. To safeguard the rhino population, anti- poaching units must be both visible and mobile. In recent years, TSAM has donated vehicles, covered all service costs, and partnered with Monitor dealers to refurbish additional vehicles. “Toyota’s global environmental policy is robust, and we are proud of our longstanding partnership with the Pilanesberg Wildlife Trust. Protecting our heritage and safeguarding these majestic animals is integral to our mission. We are committed to playing our role in ensuring the survival of this endangered species for future generations,” says John Thomson, vice- president of Future Toyota. WHAT MAKES RHINO HORN SO SOUGHT AFTER? Black and white rhinos face extinction due to rampant poaching for their horns. These horns are often exploited as a symbol of wealth, either as ornate dagger handles, decorative displays on mantelpieces, or for medicinal reasons. Some of the myths that poachers use to justify poaching: • Claims that rhino horns have mystical powers when consumed as a powder, purportedly acting as an aphrodisiac. In reality, rhino horns are composed primarily of keratin protein, the same substance found in human fingernails, and have no proven medicinal or aphrodisiacal properties. • Claims that rhino horns have cancer-curing properties are medically false and lack scientific evidence. DEHORNING A PROVEN DETERRENT In 2016, Northwest Parks initiated a dehorning programme for all rhinos. The procedure itself does not harm the animal in any form and the horn regrows. For now, this process has proven effective in deterring poachers. “The rhino horn is not connected to the animal’s skeletal structure but grows from a growth plate above the bone. Dehorning, while essential, is an expensive procedure; TSAM managed to cover 70% of the costs of the recent dehorning process in the Pilanesberg. This support, along with donor funding and the Pilanesberg Wildlife Trust, contributes to wildlife veterinarians and assistants, helicopters and pilots for darting, medication for sedation and stabilisation, ground teams, vehicles, as well as volunteers. This collective commitment to protecting these magnificent animals and conserving wildlife makes these efforts possible,” says Thomson. Spring/Summer 2024 BONUS www.agribonus.co.za 38