White rhinos come crashing back

January 6, 2000

Africa's southern white rhinoceros has made a comeback. In the 1920s, on the brink of extinction, the world's second- largest land mammal numbered only between 50 and 100 in southern Africa. But now, thanks to South Africa's intense conservation efforts, there are more than 8,000 southern white rhinos. Cattle farmers have turned ranges over to game, bringing rhinos back to their native land. Conservationist and author Clive Walker says more farmers are investing in ecotourism rather than farming. "Cattle farming is becoming less viable, and so many farmers are finding it more popular to go into game and tourism," Mr. Walker said. Experts say ecotourism creates more jobs than agriculture and gives communities a vested interest in protecting rhinos.

(c) Copyright 2000. The Christian Science Publishing Society