Keeping the horn on the rhino

Since 2007, rhinoceros poaching in South Africa has been increasing, now averaging three rhinos per day. Protecting the remaining rhinos requires both a better understanding of the crime of rhino poaching and of anti-poaching strategies. Through a theoretical triangulation of routine activity (Cohen & Felson, 1979), rational choice (Cornish & Clarke, 1986), and situational crime prevention theories (Clarke, 1997), we aim to better understand the crime of rhino poaching and analyze whether and how situational prevention measures can alter the cost-benefit equation of potential offenders. We also pay attention to how the sociopolitical and economic context affects rhino poaching and its governance. This chapter presents the results of research relating to the rhino conservation model of the Balule Nature Reserve in South Africa. Our study is based on participatory observation in their anti-poaching program, as well as interviews with stakeholders and partners of the program. We examine the Balule Rhino Conservation Model's organizational design and the counter-measures currently employed. This allows us to assess strengths and weaknesses of the model and provide recommendations for improvement, both for this case and for other anti-poaching contexts.

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