Rewilding
Through
Technology

Enabling rhinos
to
thrive
in their
natural habitat

We deploy innovative technology with immediate results

The optimal solution

Our technology has evolved over multiple development and deployment cycles.

Major impact

Our technology is actively being deployed with material success in habitats across Africa.

Methodology

How it works

Close-up photo of a white rhino wearing a RhinoWatch
White rhino wearing a RhinoWatch.

At the heart of our system is the RhinoWatch, an AI-enabled foot collar that continuously monitors an individual rhino.

It is solar powered, allowing for an extended operational lifetime. It has been developed to be robust, able to withstand the physical demands rhinos and their environmental conditions place on such devices.

The RhinoWatch can detect abnormal behaviour in real time.

It simultaneously sends an alert and GPS location information of the individual rhino when abnormal behaviour is detected.

Abnormal behaviour may include poaching incidents and certain natural events (fighting, birth, natural mortality).

On-site RhinoNet base station
On-site RhinoNet base station.

Alerts are sent to the EarthRanger monitoring platform and an integrated control room. All communication is transmitted via the secure RhinoNet network constructed on site.

Our approach allows for an effective reaction to all alerts. It empowers on-the-ground personnel to launch a targeted response to abnormal behaviour and possible poaching incidents.

Furthermore, where rhinos are injured due to natural events, effective intervention and early treatment can be administered.

Our technology identifies the individual rhino that requires attention. Resources are deployed optimally by resolving pinpointed problems, as opposed to following a scatter-gun approach. This is the most cost-effective solution for rhino monitoring over large conservation areas.

The RhinoWatch and supporting infrastructure allows and promotes range expansion for rhino populations as a result of this secure, optimized approach.

Background

Who we are

Rhino Custodians started as a self-funded collaboration between private rhino conservationists and Dr. SP le Roux. Dr. Le Roux obtained a PhD in electronic engineering at Stellenbosch University, specializing in low-power PCB design and artificial intelligence (AI) enabled processing techniques specifically for rhino behaviour analysis and long-term location tracking.

Our value proposition

Through many iterations, we have developed the state-of-the-art AI-enabled RhinoWatch.

We have addressed the major practical challenges related to attaching and fitting monitoring devices.

The solar-powered RhinoWatch has been developed to be robust and remain functional in the environmental conditions rhinos live in, featuring a waterproof enclosure and long battery life.

Leveraging years of real-world network coverage data, we have developed specialist propagation planning capabilities to ensure optimal repeater placement and operational success.

Our track record

To date, we have:

Deployed
500+
RhinoWatches
Across
30+
reserves
Spanning
250000+
hectares of habitat

RhinoWatches have detected:

  • Poaching incidents,
  • Natural mortalities and ailments,
  • Life-threatening injuries sustained through rhino interaction, and
  • Much to our delight, births.

Non-profit organization

We are an NPO

Rhino Custodians is a registered non-profit organisation (NPO) and registered public benefit organization (PBO) for the purposes of section 18A of the Income Tax Act of South Africa.

We have a specific mandate and mission: deploy the AI-enabled RhinoWatch and supporting systems to vetted reserves across Africa for maximal rhino protection and range expansion.

All contributions are channeled into the protection, management, and rewilding of endangered rhino populations. We endeavour to remain a 100% conduit NPO: all donations flow through to the designated project.

Rhino Custodians is operated and administered by its directors in a voluntary capacity.

NPO registration number: 286-436 NPO (certificate)

PBO registration number: 930078552 (certificate)

CIPC registration number: 2022/749749/08 (certificate)

Contribute

Join the cause

We seek material contributions that will be directly channelled into the deployment of RhinoWatch technology into conservation areas that aim to protect rhinos and rewild habitats.

Photo of a black rhino wearing a RhinoWatch
Black rhino wearing a RhinoWatch.

Deployment

How we work with rhino conservationists

We assist wherever possible through the deployment of RhinoWatch and supporting system infrastructure to enable rhino protection and range expansion.

Prior to system deployment, the following processes are carried out:

  • Comprehensive vetting of prospective conservation partners to ensure credibility, done in partnership with EarthRanger.
  • Evaluation of the conservation area to determine the optimal network propagation and design.

We assist each conservation partner with the collaring process, ensuring it is done in line with our proven protocols.

We liaise with specialist big-game veterinarians as part of the collaring process to ensure animal safety.

Partners

Partner organizations

Rouxcel Technology

SP le Roux, PhD, is a lifelong conservationist passionate about applying his engineering expertise to South Africa’s toughest rhino-related challenges. He founded Rouxcel Technology to develop state-of-the-art rhino protection and monitoring solutions.

www.rouxcel.com

EarthRanger

EarthRanger is a real-time software solution that aids protected-area managers, ecologists, and wildlife biologists in making more informed operational decisions for wildlife conservation. The EarthRanger platform collects, integrates, and displays all historical and real-time data available from a protected area—including wildlife, ranger patrols, spatial, data, and observed threats.

www.earthranger.com

Contact

Contact us

Questions? Get in touch by sending an email to info@rhinocustodians.com or calling SP le Roux at +27 82 823 1567.