Conservation, environment, water and wildlife
Billionaire in high-tech rhino rescue
Green Ideas editorial team
Balloons equipped with night-vision cameras will soon be working around the clock to protect rhinos, as part of a $30 million scheme funded by Howard Buffett, son of the famous billionaire investor Warren.
Demand for rhino horn from Asia is driving a senseless slaughter of the endangered animals in parts of Africa. Used as a hangover tonic among other things, powdered horn is a status symbol amongst the newly wealthy in Asia, and is more valuable by weight than gold – making it a big temptation for impoverished poachers.
However, it's hoped the use of tethered surveillance balloons that can scan the horizon 24/7, together with sniffer dogs and rangers, will provide a safe haven in a vast section of the Kruger national park in South Africa, where the programme will soon be running.