Save the Rhino Fundraising and Information Pack

This Fundraising and Information Pack is intended to answer some of the most Frequently Asked Questions on holding a fundraising event or taking part in a challenge for Save the Rhino. Inside, you’ll find advice on: 1. Why save rhinos? 2. About Save the Rhino International 3. What does your money go to support? 4. The who, when and how of fundraising for Save the Rhino If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please call Jo at Rhino HQ. Jo is Save the Rhino’s Events Manager, and she’ll offer as much help and advice as she can. Jo Paulson Events Manager Save the Rhino International 16 Winchester Walk London SE1 9AQ T: 020 7357 7474 E: jo@savetherhino.org

1. Why save rhinos? At the turn of the 19th century, there were approximately one million rhinos. In 1970, there were around 70,000. Today, there are fewer than 25,000 rhinos surviving in the wild: 50 Javan rhinos 200 Sumatran rhinos 2,800 Greater one-horned (Indian) rhinos 4,800 black rhinos 20,100 white rhinos Rhinos are an integral part of the ecosystem Rhinoceroses are huge mega-herbivores and impact greatly on their environment by shaping the landscape. Of the five species, three are pure browsers; the black, Sumatran and Javan, one is a pure grazer, the white, while the greater one-horned is perhaps somewhere in between. The browsers each feed on more than 200 species of plants. By forcing through thick scrub and forest like a tank, they open up access for other species and, by continuously browsing shrubs and small trees, rhinos shape the way they grow and keep them short and accessible to a whole range of smaller leaf eaters.

The seeds rhinos eat take three days to pass through their gut and so when passed out – in their own, ready-made pile of fertiliser – they may be many kilometres from the parent plant. The dung also enriches the soil, returning vital nutrients and organic matter that improve the soil structure for the plant communities, as well as feeding whole communities of soil organisms that are the foundations of an ecosystem. The dung piles, known as middens, of rhinos also attract a great variety of animals: those that directly use or eat the dung such as dung flies and dung beetles; and those that feed on the invertebrates that are attracted there, including lizards, many birds such as flycatchers and hornbills, and many kinds of other insectivorous animals.

All rhinos are extremely fond of wallowing and will dig to create wallows for themselves. These then become used by many different species for bathing and drinking, and become breeding sites for animals that require small pools of open water to complete their lifecycles, such as frogs, many insects and a huge array of other invertebrates. Rhinos are great diggers and excavate minerals from the ground using their horns and feet. This provides an important service for those species requiring, but unable to open up, the earth for themselves.

Protect the rhino, and you protect all the other species that share their habitat.

Which species are under threat and why? Two rhino subspecies are thought to have become extinct within the last 3 to 4 years. The last wild Northern white rhinos, formerly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, were exterminated by poaching as late as 2006. The Western black rhino subspecies, formerly found in Cameroon, has been presumed extinct since 2006. Opportunistic poaching by people hunting for bushmeat is thought to be responsible for their extinction. The story for the five rhino species today differs from species to species, and from country to country. The common problem is the growing demand for rhino horn from increasingly wealthy consumers in the Far East, where rhino horn is illegally sold for high sums of money on the black market. It is used in

Traditional Chinese Medicine to suppress fevers, though there is no scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness, and in the Middle East, where, despite being illegal, rhino horn is used to make ornamental dagger handles in Yemen and Oman. Common factors that aid poaching include: political, economic and social turmoil, as in Zimbabwe since 2000 and in Nepal during the Maoist crisis; habitat loss due to human population growth and the corresponding increase in demand for natural resources; encroachment into protected areas; and, in Asia, illegal logging and the expansion of oil palm plantations. Further, climate change will threaten ecosystems that currently provide suitable habitat for rhinos and other codependent species. Current status of each species The Black Rhino Population: 4,800. Current status: Critically Endangered Black rhinos in South Africa have suffered from a rise in poaching in National Parks, game reserves and in private reserves. In Zimbabwe, at least 142 rhinos (black and white) have been slaughtered since the beginning of 2008. There has been a major change in the last 18 months, with opportunistic poaching by local people being replaced by well-armed criminal gangs. The failure of the Zimbabwe authorities to successfully prosecute any rhino poacher, despite hard evidence, since 2006, has increased the confidence of the poachers.

Kenya has also suffered from intermittent rhino poaching over the last few years. Recent poaching is now linked to the increased Chinese footprint in Africa, with mining and road-building contracts linked to higher bribes offered to local people in return for poaching targeted wildlife species, including rhino. Spiraling prices are making it difficult for anti-poaching organisations to offer corresponding incentives and rewards for information leading to arrests. In July 2009, a rhino was poached in the Masai Mara Game Reserve for the first time in many years. The Southern White Rhino Population: 20,100. Current status: Near Threatened Approximately 93% of the Southern white rhinos are found in South Africa, which has been hit hard by poaching in the last year. There have been documented cases of Far Eastern nationals smuggling poached rhino horn via diplomatic bags, and of organised poaching gangs targeting rhino populations in National Parks such as Kruger National Park. 333 rhinos (mainly white, some black) were poached in South Africa between in 2010 alone.

South Africa’s highly lucrative sport hunting permits for white rhinos were previously expensive enough to deter all but trophy hunters; now, it seems that the value of horn has risen such that criminal gangs are buying hunting permits, in order to secure an export license for the intact head. The Greater one-horned rhino Population: 2,850. Current Status: Vulnerable Nepal’s rhinos are found in three locations: Chitwan National Park, Bardia National Park, and Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve. All three areas have been hit by poaching, with culprits including members of the Nepalese army, which provides security for the Parks. Carcasses were recently discovered buried

within Bardia National Park, which has hidden the problem from rhino monitors for some time. Most of India’s rhinos are found in Assam and, particularly, in Kaziranga National Park. After years of steady growth in 2007, the Kaziranga population lost 19 animals in 2008, 16 of which were due to poaching. Seven rhinos have been poached in Assam in 2009. Problems include under-equipped and trained Forest Department staff, and lack of intelligence about the routes used by the trade in illegal wildlife products.

The Sumatran rhino Population: Approximately 200. Current Status: Critically Endangered.

With only 175 rhinos left in Sumatra, Indonesia and 25 left in Sabah, Malaysia, the thick forest and difficult terrain makes it extremely difficult to accurately know the population size. The biggest problem for the Sumatran rhino is the loss of habitat from encroachment, illegal logging, and growing population pressures. Additionally, the survival of the 75 or so rhinos in Peninsula Malaysia is now in doubt.

The Javan rhino Population: Approximately 50. Current Status: Critically Endangered

Found in only one location, Ujung Kulon National Park, Java, Indonesia, the species’ confinement in one location is of growing concern to rhino experts because of the risk of disease and natural disasters. A coalition of NGOs and the Indonesian government agreed in early 2009 to establish a second population in another location; the results of a habitat study to assess the viability of other locations are expected shortly. 2. About Save the Rhino International Mission statement Save the Rhino works to conserve viable populations of critically endangered rhinos in Africa and Asia. We recognise that the future of wildlife is inextricably linked to the communities that share its habitat. By funding field projects and through education, our goal is to deliver material, long-lasting and widespread benefits to rhinos and other endangered species, ecosystems and to the people living in these areas. Aims To increase the number of rhinos in genetically viable populations in the wild To enhance the integrity of ecosystems To ensure that local communities benefit from conservation activities Primary objectives To provide financial support for in situ projects focused on all five of the rhinoceros species To encourage and enable the sharing of information, experience and skills between rhino

programmes, ex situ and conservation organisations To measure and improve the effectiveness of our grant-making and charitable activities To raise awareness of the need for rhino conservation and communicate the work of Save the Rhino Our approach We employ a pragmatic approach focused on viable populations, and are not sentiment-driven

We support the sustainable use of natural resources for the mutual benefit of wildlife, habitat and

local communities We support the sustainable use of wildlife (i.e. culling, cropping and hunting) provided it is legal and

the profits are ploughed back into conservation

Our staff and structure We began fundraising for in situ rhino conservation projects in 1992 and were formally registered as a charity (number 1035072) in 1994. As such, we are governed by the Charity Commission for England and Wales and, like any other company or charity, our accounts are audited each year. Save the Rhino has a Board of five Trustees, who are all actively involved in the charity. They meet four times a year to make decisions about funding applications and review the success of past grants, as well as to determine future direction and develop new fundraising initiatives. They review our accounts on a monthly basis. In addition, we have a group of Patrons, who act as ambassadors for Save the Rhino and who help in a variety of ways. We have six members of staff and are based in central London. Our fundraising activities We raised £989,338 in the financial year 2010-11, focusing on three main income streams: events (the London Marathon, ultra-marathons, parties, comedy nights, lectures etc.); grant-making companies, trusts and foundations; and other strands such as donations, merchandise, membership, Gift Aid etc. Alongside these are a number of smaller income streams that are extremely important for us: restricted / unrestricted and solicited / unsolicited donations; legacies; a membership scheme; merchandise sales and Gift Aid reclaim. 3 What does your money go to support? The funds we raise are used to support projects that address rhino conservation through a number of measures: Community conservation programmes that develop sustainable methods by which local communities

can creatively manage natural resources Environmental education programmes that teach children and adults about the importance of

preserving natural resources and address human-wildlife conflict issues Anti-poaching and monitoring patrols, which detect and deter poachers and gather information about

rhino ranges and numbers Translocations, so that rhinos from established populations can be reintroduced to former habitats Research into the threats to rhino survival and alternatives to the use of rhino horn Veterinary work, such as the implanting of transmitters into horns, or removal of snares About a third of the money we raise goes to support local communities living in key rhino areas, whether through environmental education programmes, or through community conservation activities (tree seedling projects, bee-keeping etc.) An example: The Mkomazi Rhino Sanctuary, Tanzania Location: Mkomazi National Park, Tanzania Project leader: Tony Fitzjohn Rhino species: Black rhino (Diceros bicornis michaeli) Rhino numbers: 12 Size of protected area: 3,270 km2 Activities: Anti-poaching, monitoring, Environmental Education programme – Rafiki wa Faru

Managed by the legendary conservationist Tony Fitzjohn of the George Adamson Wildlife Preservation Trust, the Mkomazi Game Reserve is the first and only rhino sanctuary in Tanzania. Currently twelve black rhinos (one calf was born only recently) live in the Sanctuary, and the animals are protected by a team of dedicated anti-poaching patrols.

This project is at an exciting stage, as Mkomazi has recently been declared as a fully protected National Park which no doubt will increase public interest and tourist numbers. In conjunction with this change, an Environmental Education programme (Rafiki Wa Faru), kitted with a special bus, has been developed for area. Many African children don’t see wildlife in its natural environment (let alone rhinos), although tourists visit their counties are exactly for that reason. The new programme means that local children now too have opportunity to access the National Park, and are able to form a long-term link with their environment. The bus also visits remote schools to teach pupils about the environment and what they can do to protect it.

4. The who, when and how of fundraising for Save the Rhino

Rhinos in Action Save the Rhino has a long history of supporters undertaking crazy feats – including running across deserts in rhino costume and climbing to the top of Kilimanjaro with Douglas Adams joining for a stint. But we also have many supporters who have held fun and interesting fundraising events for rhino conservation. These include…

Pub Quiz Night – the Bath Skeptical society held a ‘geek pride’ pub quiz for us to honor the Douglas Adams connection Book sale – a local school held a book sale Going Down South – traveling from the UK to South Africa in a landrover Mongol rally – traveling from the UK to Mongolia in a “woefully unsuitable vehicle” Jail break – some students blagged their way to Brussels in 24 hours without spending a penny Horny@50 dinner – one supporter held a black tie dinner at Lord’s cricket ground Balloon release – at a local fair, one supporter sold environmentally friendly balloons to be released in a big bundle at a set time Cookie sales – branded with Save the Rhino logos Fundraising bbq – from one of our South African supporters Indian night for Indian rhinos – cooking Indian food for friends Other successful fundraising events have included: a garage sale, online auction, cake sale, sports tournament, enchilada sale, karaoke night, cheese and wine night, movie night, and many more.

Running a Fundraising Event Events don't have to be huge to work. They just need to be fun, interesting and with lots of potential for people to get into the spirit and donate at a fun social occasion. Try and tailor your event to the group, and find something your friends will be enthusiastic about. (If you are daunted by the idea of hosting an event, why not organise it with a group of friends?) If your event is open to anyone, make sure you promote your event as widely as you can and as early as you can. Tell your friends and family; put up posters in your local supermarket / sports centre / post office, etc; spread the word on Facebook and Twitter; promote it round your work / school / university; contact your local newspaper and radio station. Remember that people will need more than one reminder before they commit to coming to your event, so don’t be afraid to bug people. Create a budget – make sure you look at any costs that might be involved and look at what you expect to raise at the event. You want to make sure before you start planning that the event will raise money! Think about what you will need – food, drink, volunteers, music, venue, decoration, prizes, collection boxes, etc. Decide how you’re going to raise funds – are you going to ask for donations, an entrance fee, are you going to hold a raffle or a competition or ask local businesses to help with sponsorship or raffle prizes? Fundraising in public Please be aware that you cannot fundraise in public areas or door to door without prior written permission from the local council. You also need to have written permission from Transport for London if you plan to fundraise on the London Underground, or from the local railway station / supermarket / pub etc. If you are holding a public event, you should seek further advice on health and safety guidelines (especially if you are handling food), drinks licenses and gambling licenses if you are holding a lottery or a raffle. Getting Sponsorship Perhaps you are undertaking a challenge where you require sponsorship. Here are some tips that might help… Who to approach: Friends and family Your company: Many big companies do ‘sponsorship matching’, where they will match any donations

given to you by others. Why not check, as it will be half the effort! Other companies: Companies do give corporate donations, but be aware many may get approached

by lots of people. If you have links with companies through work or socially, see if they would be willing to make a donation to help you on your way

Get the community involved. You are doing an amazing thing for a good cause, and local people should be proud and willing to help you out.

When to approach: Don't be afraid to ask people. You are doing it for charity, and the worst they can do is say no. Be proud that you have taken on such a big challenge, and make sure everyone knows about it.

A month or so before the big day, email or write to everyone again to let them know about the event, and how they can follow your progress. You usually need to remind people three times in order to get a donation, so don’t be disheartened if your first email doesn’t get much of a response. Ask people again immediately after the event. An email or letter to your supporters is great as you will still be hyped-up and your enthusiasm will show in your correspondence. Be aware that it will soon fade. As the weeks go by so will the willingness of your sponsors to hand over cash. How to approach: Letters, e-mails and phone calls. People are normally very willing to donate to charity, but are also

forgetful. Make it easy for them to give to you straight away, rather than make a vague promise that will take a lot of time chasing up. We have sponsorship forms we can send you if you require.

Publicity: Contact your local paper or company newsletter to run a story on you and then add your contact details and / or a link to your online fundraising page

Online fundraising: This is the easiest and quickest way for people to sponsor you. You can now raise your sponsorship money without even leaving your chair. No more dealing with cash or cheques, no more hassling friends and family. All you do is create your own internet sponsorship page, email it to all your friends and get them to donate online with a credit or debit card. You can add the URL to the bottom of all your emails, and it is an easy way to monitor the amount you have raised. Plus, online donations from UK taxpayers are automatically Gift Aided, and secure servers mean all card information is totally safe. There are two options.

http://uk.virginmoney.com/virgin/giving www.justgiving.com http://www.crowdrise.com/about/ways-to-fundraise

Personalised Text Donation Service Just Giving has recently introduced a free text donation service – Just Text Giving. Once you have set up a page you will be able to acquire a personal six figure code that your supporters can text. Display the text code on training vests, facebook pages, websites and more to provide a quick and easy way for your supporters to donate. All texts are free, so 100% of the donation goes to your charity. http://www.justgiving.com/justtextgiving/fundraisers/ Gift Aid Gift Aid is a scheme that enables charities to claim tax back on all donations made by individual UK taxpayers. It may be boring to see it everywhere on the bottom of forms, but it can make a huge difference to the amount of money we get donated, and at no extra cost to anyone. All we need from your sponsors is their full name and address and their authorisation by ticking the appropriate box alongside their name on a sponsorship form. We cannot emphasise strongly enough the value of this scheme to Save the Rhino. For every £1 in sponsorship we receive from individuals we can claim 25p from the Inland Revenue at no extra cost to the donor. Please try your very best to ensure that all donations are Gift Aided. Please reassure your sponsors that we will never use these details to contact them; they are just needed so that the Inland Revenue can find out who they are and confirm that they are eligible. Sending your fundraising to Save the Rhino There are a number of ways you can send in the money you raise from fundraising events or challenges. Online: through an online donation page (like Virgin Money Giving or Just Giving) Through the donation pages on the Save the Rhino website www.savetherhino.org

Bank transfer: ask Jo at Save the Rhino for details By post: please do not send cash through the post. Send a cheques or CAF voucher made out to Save the Rhino International. Consider sending large cheques by recorded delivery. Rhino goodies to buy Be the first to show your support for rhinos! You can order online or by getting in touch with Save the Rhino.

Cuddly Rhinos £6

Canvas Bag £5

Car stickers £1.50

Greetings cards £4 per pack

Rangers caps £12

Pin badges £4

Rhino badges £1.50

T-shirts £7.50 - £15

Rhino books Various

Embroidered ranger badges £3.50

Importantly – make sure you tell Save the Rhino of your plans and send us your pictures after the event so we can thank you properly!

& of course, enjoy the moment!

For you are enabling teams of a very different sort to safeguard rhino and their ecosystems!