Rowan Poortier submitted his footage of the aftermath of the incident to Latest Sightings. He filmed it while leading a game drive at Madikwe Game Reserve.
No further information
Unfortunately, at the time of writing, Latest Sightings doesn’t have any additional information detailing the circumstances of this particular incident.
Species shown?
Due to the close cropping of the video, it is difficult to determine whether the poached animal is a black or white rhino. Both species are present in the reserve, however there are fewer black than white rhinos.
Madikwe claims to have the highest density of rhinos in Africa.
We can only speculate that the deceased animal in this case was a southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum). This is based on the appearance and relative size of the carcass and the black-backed jackal (Lupulella mesomelas) feeding on it.
The carrion birds are white-backed vultures. By vulture standards, they have medium-weight beaks suitable only for soft flesh.
For security reasons, Madikwe does not disclose its total rhino population. South Africa is home to the world’s largest rhino population, with around 16,000 animals living in public and private conservation areas.
State of the carcass
In the video, we see the jackal entering the carcass through the ribcage on the side of the rhino. As mentioned in the commentary, the internal organs are missing; presumably eaten by scavengers.
Note that there is a large horizontal incision running laterally on the rhino’s body. Humans likely made this, though exactly who did so, is unknown.
Poachers will occasionally harvest meat in addition to the rhino’s horns.
Additionally, some broken ribs give the jackal access to the inside of the carcass; likely caused by either humans or hyenas.
Entering the carcass
As can be seen, the jackals entered the carcass to feed. The width of a white rhino averages 3.4-4.3 feet (1.05-1.32 m) — ample space for the jackal to move around within.
Rowan’s commentary suggests that it will take the arrival of lions or hyenas to penetrate the hide elsewhere. Rhino hide is up to 5 centimetres (0.97 inches) thick.
Until then, the flesh in the hindquarters, shoulders, limbs, neck and face would be inaccessible to scavengers.
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Nutrient recycling
The partially digested remains of plant matter (probably grasses) is visible through the ribcage. Ultimately, this, along with the decayed tissue will fertilise the surrounding soil.
So, as tragic as the death is, other organisms will benefit besides the scavengers.
Too common
As we hear Rowan say, this is not something one sees every day. However, sights like this are far too common due to the high incidents of rhino poaching over the past few decades.
Poachers killed over 9,000 rhinos across Africa in the past decade.
They target rhinos primarily for their horns which are used to make dagger handles and traditional medicines.
To counter the slaughter of the species, conservation authorities and private landowners have adopted a para-militaristic approach to security.
Conservationists widely practice rhino de-horning, but it remains controversial due to its intrusiveness and the risks it poses to the species it aims to protect.
The authorities maintain that de-horning has led to a reduction in poaching.
There is a general downward trend in poaching across South Africa. The population is trending upward, although conservationists say it is not yet sustainable.
Black rhinos remain critically endangered, while white rhinos are classified as near-threatened. For our ecosystems to thrive, rhinos must be protected at all costs.