As the world marks World Rhino Day on 22 September, Pratley is proud to reaffirm its commitment to wildlife conservation through its continued support of the rhino conservation efforts at Dinokeng Game Reserve. This collaborative initiative, which focuses on the protection and monitoring of endangered black and white rhinos in the reserve, has seen remarkable success. This is due to Pratley Quickset® Putty that is used to secure tracking devices to rhino horns to allow for these animals to be tracked and monitored.

Dinokeng acquired black rhinos from KwaZulu Natal in 2017 as part of the BBREP (Black Rhino Range Expansion Project). Having both white and black rhinos, Dinokeng is the only game reserve in Gauteng to feature the Big 5.  “The BBREP programme is going exceptionally well,” says David Boshoff, General Manager of Dinokeng Game Reserve. Pratley visited Dinokeng in September 2022 to be a part of a public rhino collaring event where two rhinos had tracking devices inserted into their horns. David gladly states, “Since 2022, we have seen the birth of three calves. The rhinos are doing exceptionally well on the game reserve.”

A crucial element in the success of the conservation efforts has been the ability to monitor and track individual rhinos. Tracking technologies not only help researchers understand animal movement but also serve as a vital tool in combating poaching.  This is achieved by fitting a smaller VHF device directly into the horn, which is then tracked using telemetry, whilst a larger device can be tracked easily by satellite.

The tracking devices are secured into the rhinos’ horns using Pratley Quickset® Putty, a durable and quick-setting adhesive. Based on which device is used determines how much putty is used in each application.  The amount of putty used is based on the device that is implanted into the horn with each application. “Pratley Quickset® Putty was used in this application because of its quick setting property and easy-to-use application,” explains Mark Bell, Pratley’s National Sales and Marketing Manager for Adhesives. “Dinokeng is extremely happy with the results.” Once cured, the Pratley Quickset® Putty keeps the tracking devices in place as intended, keeping it secure when a rhino shapes its horn.

Rhinos shape their horns by rubbing them on trees and other hard substances. When they do this, the putty does not break off like other adhesives. According to Boshoff, the adhesive that was used previously formed a hard core and would usually break off when the rhino shaped its horn. “With Pratley Quickset® Putty, it shapes off naturally with the horn and works very, very well,” he highlights.

While poaching is still a huge problem at Dinokeng, “We have daily intrusions into the park,” notes Boshoff. “Using these tracking systems, we can at least find the rhinos within every seven days to make sure that they are safe.” Similar tracking devices are also used to track other animals that are targeted by poachers, such as elephants and lions.

Public engagement has also become an important part of the conservation effort. Dinokeng invites the public to take part in collaring events as well as other conservation events at a cost, allowing visitors to experience the conservation process firsthand.

“The costs contribute to expenses on these events and give the public a firsthand experience of what is going on behind the scenes,” says Boshoff. “People can visit our website (https://www.dinokengreserve.co.za/conservation/) and book seats on the set dates for these events.”

Pratley’s involvement in rhino conservation is part of a broader conservation commitment. “We are always willing to sponsor or contribute to wildlife and environmental causes that can benefit our younger generation and our planet,” says Bell.

There have been other conservation efforts involving Pratley Putty as well, such as the rehabilitation of new coral reefs off Zanzibar, tracking devices for pangolins in reserves, and the repair of turtle carapaces, to name but a few.

For Pratley, the message is clear that environmental stewardship is everyone’s responsibility. “Not just local companies, but all of us must protect and give back to our environment,” Bell adds. “All of us can add in a small way to protect our environment by not polluting our rivers, dams, and seas with plastic and other waste material.”

Boshoff echoes this sentiment, emphasising the long-term importance of conservation: “Every animal, every species fits into a big open ecosystem. If you lose one species, you can start losing many more. We must protect species for our children’s children.”

Pratley is honoured to play a role in this critical mission. “We would just like to thank Pratley for their support,” says Boshoff. “Your support helps us a lot in conserving the rhinos in the game reserve.”