Endangered Rhinos Airlifted Out Of South Africa [Photos]

More than 100 endangered rhinos will be airlifted out of South Africa — in an effort to protect them from poachers. Although they are nearing extinction, rhinos are often killed for their valuable horns. Conservationists are specifically concerned, as the rhino population continues to decline.

According to the Republic of South Africa Environmental Affairs, 333 rhinos were slaughtered by poachers in 2010. By 2013, the number surpassed 1,000. A majority of the rhinos were killed within the Kruger National Park.

In response to the ongoing tragedy, filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert founded an initiative, called Rhinos Without Borders. The Jouberts’ goal is to airlift at least 100 rhinos to Botswana — where they are more likely to survive.

According to the Jouberts, the relocation effort is necessary to ensure the species’ survival. As reported by National Geographic, the Jouberts believe rhinos will be extinct “within five to ten years if the illegal killing continues at the present rate.”

Airlifting rhinos may seem unusual, if not impossible. However, airlifting is not an uncommon technique for relocation. The WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project has airlifted more than 100 rhinos to protect them from poachers.

Unfortunately, the method is not without risks. The Jouberts estimate the mortality rate is between two and five percent. As the rhinos must be tranquilized prior to transport, some simply will not survive the trip. However, the Jouberts said the risk is far better than “the reality of letting the rhinos stay where they are and be poached.”

In addition to the health risk, the initiative will be incredibly expensive. The Jouberts estimate it will cost nearly $45,000 to airlift each rhino to safety.

The rhinos in Kruger National Park are especially vulnerable, as they are concentrated in a small area and the border with Mozambique is easily breached.

Poachers slaughter rhinos for their horns — often leaving the carcasses behind. A majority of the horns are sold in Asia, where they are used for medicinal purposes. As the horns have been rumored to cure cancer, they are in even higher demand.

Keeping the poachers away from the rhinos has proven impossible. The Jouberts hope moving the rhinos away from the poachers’ hunting ground will spare the lives of the individual rhinos — and ensure survival of the species.

Although the rhinos will be airlifted to a safer location, their survival is not guaranteed. However, the Jouberts hope their efforts will make a positive impact on the waning population.

[Images via Shutterstock and National Geographic]