The rhinoceros is being hunted to near extinction by poachers, who sell their horns on a thriving black market. But digital technologies can help. Connected Futures senior writer Kevin Delaney spoke with Bruce Watson of South African tech firm Dimension Data, about a unique program to save these magnificent animals.

1. connectedfuturesmag.com
Bruce Watson on How Digital Technologies
Are Saving the Rhino
Bruce Watson, executive at Dimension Data in South Africa, speaks with
Kevin Delaney, senior writer, Connected Futures
Podcast

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The rhinoceros is being hunted to near
extinction by poachers, who sell their
horns on a thriving black market.
But digital technologies can help.
ConnectedFuturesMag.com
EXECUTIVE INSIGHTS

3. connectedfuturesmag.com
In 2013, there were 1218 rhinos
poached in South Africa
At that rate, three a day, they would be
extinct in South Africa by 2025.
In some Asian countries, Rhino horns are thought
to be an aphrodisiac and cancer cure. The fact is,
they are made of keratin, like fingernails, and heal
nothing.
ConnectedFuturesMag.com
EXECUTIVE INSIGHTS

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A new, proactive approach puts less
stress on the animals
The rhinos themselves are no longer fitted
with radio collars.
Now, thermal cameras and sensors monitor gates
and other known infiltration points with CCTV,
biometric security, and links to national databases.
ConnectedFuturesMag.com
EXECUTIVE INSIGHTS

5. connectedfuturesmag.com
Progress Is Being Made
In one reserve, 51 rhinos were
poached in 2013. That number
dropped to 15 (in 2014) and then 10
(in 2015).
To date, 2016 has seen only two
poached rhinos, and none of the
horns were taken.
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EXECUTIVE INSIGHTS

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EXECUTIVE INSIGHTS
“We hope to take it to all African
countries and not only protect rhinos,
but elephants, lions, and pangolins.
Then we will head to Asia and India for
the tigers, and to the ocean for the sea
rays, the whales, and the sharks.”
Bruce Watson, Dimension Data's group executive,
Cisco Global Alliance

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EXECUTIVE INSIGHTS
Listen to the entire podcast on Connected Futures
http://c-cf.link/?W17P34