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Rhino Registration & Identification
An individual recognition system using an ear notching pattern has been implemented at Marataba and in time, we will be able to estimate a minimum number of animals alive at any point in time. Learn how to identify rhinos through their ear notches, an experience that can be done at any stage on a game drive. Just by observing these magnificent animals, you start to understand some of the work and monitoring that takes place.
Rhino registration and identification is an ongoing intervention at Marataba and our long-term objective is to have every single rhino at Marataba identified. Throughout the year, we run three-day Rhino Conservation Safaris, dedicated to the registration of the animals – and you are invited to join us!
During a rhino registration and identification procedure, you will help immobilise and notch the animal and insert a DNA microchip into the horns and body. Tissue is collected and the DNA is submitted to the RHoDIS database (Rhinoceros DNA indexing system), a national DNA database maintained by the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at the University of Pretoria that is kept to provide forensic evidence related to the provenance of confiscated rhinoceros horns.