Torry Wilson

Pandemics and Poaching: Did COVID-19 Increase Rhino Killings?

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The COVID-19 pandemic created global disruptions across healthcare, travel, governance, and wildlife conservation. Rhino conservation efforts, already challenged by organized poaching networks, faced renewed threats as restrictions, economic pressure, and reduced patrolling opened the doors to illegal activities. This article investigates whether the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in rhino killings and explores the … Read more

Climate Refugees: Will Rhinos Need to Relocate as Forests Shrink?

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Climate change is creating new categories of displacement that go far beyond human suffering. Forests are shrinking, water sources are drying up, and grasslands are turning into deserts. Rhinos, already endangered due to poaching and habitat loss, now face a new threat — climate-induced displacement. The concept of “climate refugees” is expanding to include animals … Read more

Mining and Deforestation: The Silent Killers of Rhino Habitat

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Rhino populations across the globe are under severe threat not only from poaching but also from two persistent environmental threats — mining and deforestation. These silent killers disrupt ecosystems, fragment habitats, and gradually erase the natural territories rhinos depend on for survival. Unchecked industrial activities and forest clearance for agriculture or infrastructure are steadily shrinking … Read more

How Forest Fires Are Becoming a Deadly New Threat

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Increasing global temperatures, prolonged droughts, and mismanaged land are transforming forest fires into one of the most dangerous environmental threats of the 21st century. Forest fires, once primarily seasonal and region-specific, now occur more frequently and with greater intensity, leaving devastation in their wake. Entire communities, wildlife ecosystems, and public health systems are being placed … Read more

Geo-Fencing Rhinos: Can Smart Collars Save Them from Hunters?

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Geo-fencing technology offers a modern solution to the long-standing problem of rhino poaching. Conservationists and tech innovators have come together to protect rhinos using smart collars that provide real-time data about their location and activity. This technological approach aims to outsmart poachers, improve wildlife management, and ensure the survival of one of the most endangered … Read more

Thermal Imaging in Nighttime Forest Patrols Against Rhino Poachers

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Thermal imaging technology has revolutionized the way forest patrol teams operate during night hours, particularly in areas affected by rhino poaching. Conservationists, anti-poaching units, and wildlife departments now rely heavily on this tool to protect endangered rhino populations from criminal networks that thrive in darkness. Dense vegetation and limited visibility once gave poachers an advantage, … Read more

Virtual Reality Forest Tours Featuring Rhinos — Education or Exploitation?

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Virtual reality (VR) forest tours featuring rhinos have emerged as a fascinating blend of immersive technology and wildlife education. These digital experiences bring endangered animals, such as rhinos, closer to viewers without disturbing their natural habitat. While this innovation offers significant educational benefits, a deeper look reveals complex ethical concerns. The blurred lines between genuine … Read more

3D Printing Rhino Horns: A Controversial Solution to End Poaching

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3D printing technology has entered the realm of conservation, presenting an unexpected yet ambitious approach to combat rhino poaching—by producing synthetic rhino horns. This approach is gaining attention as a novel intervention aimed at disrupting the black-market trade of rhino horns. While the concept appears promising, it has sparked intense debate among conservationists, governments, and … Read more

Forest Monitoring 2.0: Using AI and Sensors to Track Rhino Safety

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Conservation of rhinos has reached a critical phase due to increasing poaching and habitat encroachment. Forest Monitoring 2.0 introduces a new dimension to wildlife protection by integrating artificial intelligence and sensor-based technology for real-time tracking and intervention. Traditional patrolling methods are no longer enough to combat well-equipped poachers. Advanced systems now provide a proactive defense … Read more

Rehabilitation of Orphaned Rhinos: Psychological and Physical Challenges

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Rehabilitation of orphaned rhinos presents a complex blend of emotional trauma and biological recovery. Orphaned due to poaching or natural threats, these vulnerable calves undergo extensive challenges that affect their survival, behavior, and eventual reintegration into the wild. Addressing both psychological wounds and physical setbacks is critical for successful rehabilitation. Specialized sanctuaries and trained caregivers … Read more