Rhino Numbers and Census

[H. erectus]

All very well for white rhino, now what is the situation
regarding black rhino? How do the surveyors discrimenate
between black and white rhino??

[Richprins]

Black rhino in Kruger have been checked via helicopter etc. So those figures are fine, IMO!

[Toko]

Firstly, Black rhino censuses have been done quite smartly in Kruger, including the use of aerial surveillance , so there should be little need of guessing, and figures may even be applied comfortably as far as 2011!

The KNP is also home to over 627 black rhino at last count in 2008
...
there have been no counts of this population since October 2008.

on page 11 Rim report

[Sprocky]

Black rhino in Kruger have been checked via helicopter etc. So those figures are fine, IMO!

RP, we have had debates here on members photos whether a Rhino is a black one or a white one. Clear shots that we can't even agree on, now how the hell can they say for sure from the air, which is which? And, if they could, they would have an accurate enough number on the total of both species.

[Penga Ndlovu]

No way in hell you can do that from the air and also as they are browsers and half of the time under the trees there is no way this is an accurate account.
They can be off by a 100 + or -

[Richprins]

This has been discussed before: viewtopic.php?f=197&t=489&start=50

But the trick is it's been included now!

[Penga Ndlovu]

Still a large amount of guesswork on their part and therefor does not amount much to a hill of beans.

As long as they do not get on foot out in the bush and count them by hand the figures will never be accurate up to 95% as you always have to leave a margin for error.

[Mel]

Mozambican poachers arrested
Govan Whittles | 2 days ago

JOHANNESBURG - Kruger National Park (KNP) says better cooperation between Mozambique and South African authorities has led to the arrest of three poachers.

Rangers along with Mozambican authorities tracked six poachers along the border and killed three during a shootout.

KNP's William Mabasa said the other three were arrested.

“It is encouraging because we never get that kind of cooperation from the Mozambican side.”
At the same time, a two year census of the number of rhino in the Kruger Park is nearing completion thanks to rapid anti-poaching measures introduced to keep the animals and scientists safe.

Scientists started the survey last year, but were unable to finish partly due to the spike in poaching activities.

Mabasa said, “Our scientists are busy with the census. We believe by the end of November we’ll have the exact number of rhinos in the park.”

KNP has also called on citizens living in communities that may have been infiltrated by poachers, to help protect the rhino.

Hundreds of arrests have already been made in the reserve since the beginning of the year thanks to a government and military led intervention.

Mabasa says most of the suspects are still crossing over through the Mozambican border.

“The issue of rhino poaching will not be won by the country unleashing security forces inside the park, it needs nationwide contribution because we stay with some of the poachers in our villages and towns.”

[Mel]

Posted it here because of the promised census being done by the end of November.
I think the article about the arrested / killed poachers is the same content as here

[iNdlovu]

If we will have the exact numbers in the park, does this mean a full blown proper count or a calculated guess