Rhino horn GPS used to deter poachers

Rhino horn GPS used to deter poachers
by Victoria Gill October 2010

Five rhinos in South Africa's North West province have been fitted with a Global Positioning System (GPS) device to help protect them from poachers.

The GPS chip is fitted into the rhino's horn by drilling a small hole in the inert or dead part of the horn.

As well as GPS tracking, the device is equipped with alarm systems to alert game wardens of unusual movement or if a rhino is outside of the park.

The North West Park Board is testing the devices in Mafikeng Game Reserve.


We can monitor the animals on whatever time delay we want
Rusty Hustler, North West Parks Board

More rhino facts from BBC Wildlife Finder

The board began this novel project in April of this year, when they tested the chips.

Park vets carried out the first implants the system is now "up and running" - constantly monitoring the five animals.

"It's basically a satellite system which connects with the cell phone system and we can monitor the animals on whatever time delay we want," Rusty Hustler, head of security for North West Parks Board, told BBC News.

"There are a number of alarms that can be programmed: one for excessive movement, so if the rhino starts running, and another that goes off if the rhino sleeps for longer than six hours, which is abnormal."

An alarm also sounds if the chip goes outside of the area of the game reserve.

A reaction team in the park would be able to track and quickly reach the animal if an alarm went off.

More than 200 rhinos had been slaughtered in South Africa since the start of the year and there is a high demand for rhino horn, a prized ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine.

Mr Hustler said that the board was looking to use the devices in animals in other North West province parks and were planning to tag more animals in the coming weeks.

He added that in the future, the devices could even help to track rhino horns that were taken by poachers to help combat the illegal trade.



Source: Science and Nature BBC News

Well someone is doing some thinking. Maybe it will have some positive effect. Here's hoping.

Well you know guys this is only keeping the honest men & gals from poaching...

A story for you:
We have most of our vehicles outfitted with GPS tracking units that are monitored 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Now you are probably thinking that this is great and you have nothing to worry about...let me tell you you are wrong...

We had a state of the art computerized truck worth in excess of a million dollars Stolen - hi-jacked -swiped from a secure motel parking lot that has video and security guards on duty.

Let me assure you that the numerous GPS tracking devices in the vehicle did not lead to anyone and we have been unable to located the vehicle...

A little additional information for you to think about...This high teck vehicle would send GPS coordinates when ever the vehicle started and then the coordinated would be sent continuously...now you are saying that is not enough...well you are right...

So as back up an additional GPS unit with that has external battery power will send a reading every 15 minutes on it where a bouts...still not good enough...you say..well you are right...

The vehicle also has a external hard mounted computer in the vehicle that send message that has it own power source goo for 48 hours that will send data on where the vehicle is at and direction, MPH, vehicle information to a command center for tracking...

Well i am here to tell you the vehicle was never found and the equipment were never found.

So to say I have GPS is a good one...

James, it sure won't control a conspiracy. If the installer, driver gets bribed or the rangers or vet get involved, as some of the cases we have all read about we will have a tougher time keeping and product or animal safe and secure.
This is a more expensive method of protecting your trucks and Rhino's:

Brickburn

You are on the right track...

I do not have to worry about it any longer since i retired this year in March...

MY biggest thing right now is deciding what doctor to see for my sinus infection i have and where to go trapshooting and hunting...

Originally Posted by BRICKBURN

James, it sure won't control a conspiracy. If the installer, driver gets bribed or the rangers or vet get involved, as some of the cases we have all read about we will have a tougher time keeping and product or animal safe and secure.
This is a more expensive method of protecting your trucks and Rhino's: