Current figures show that on average more than two rhino are killed per day by poachers in SA, with figures for the Eastern Cape rising dramatically compared to previous years. This is unsustainable and if it is allowed to continue unchecked, the rhino will become extinct in the region the next ten years. Involving young members of the local community in the implementation and co-ordination of ARCC’s aerial project will help secure a sustainable rhino stronghold in the Eastern Cape.

The presence of a plane in and around rhino reserves makes a dramatic difference to the visibility of the anti-poaching efforts and acts as a major deterrence for anyone considering entering that rhinos space or attempting to poach. Airwing presence is probably the most visible sign of a proactive attempt to protect rhinos. The ARCC plane aims to provide monitoring and patrol flights to more than 40,000 hectares of rhino reserves and, as well as game counts, will also include vegetation surveys.