As rhinos disappear from their habitats, their absence impacts on other species and causes many changes to the ecosystems they once belonged to. Rhinos are considered an umbrella species, which means that other species, from plants and birds to insects and mammals, depend on them. We don’t even know what all of the impacts of losing rhinos are on the ecosystems they are found in, which means that there is no way of telling what the potential ramifications will be, until it is too late. For example, black rhinos browse on the tips of shrubs and low trees, pruning these plants and keeping their growth in check. This benefits species that depend on small trees and low shrubs for shelter and food. Removing rhinos results in these plants becoming overgrown, changing the landscape and making it unsuitable for species such as antelopes, which in turn leave the area. In this way the entire ecosystem is altered leading to desertification, and even the death of other species. Another example is the important role rhinos play in seed dispersal. These large herbivores digest huge volumes of plant material dispersing the seeds in their dung and thus playing an important role in the health and maintenance of vegetation in their habitats. A final example, is the symbiotic relationship between African rhinos and oxpeckers. These birds are even called “the rhino guard” in Swahili, for the close relationship they have with rhinos. Oxpeckers sit on rhinos, eating the ticks and other insects off them and in return these birds noisily warn rhinos of approaching danger. The Indian rhino has a similar symbiotic relationship with other bird species, such as the myna
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Published by Mbilinyi-Wildlife
Conservation has always been a major part of my life. Growing up I revered leaders like famous oceanographer Jacques Cousteau and conservationist Jane Goodall, and I dreamed of becoming a swayful wildlife conservationist one day. Some of my fondest memories are of exploring the Amani forests with my college's friend, learning about both the awesome power of nature the threats to its well being.
I ultimately pursued a career in wildlife management at college of African wildlife management -Mweka and my friends too become a conservationists. Together, we founded Saviours of Wildlife with our slogan that Who pays for wildlife and who benefits?.
I recognize there are many conservation organizations doing incredible work on behalf of our planet and the many species who call it home.
I wanted to create an organization that complemented and collaborated with these organizations, so we chose to focus on protecting lesser-known endangered species.
My speech
If there’s one thing we know about life on Earth, it is that all of our diverse animals, plants, soil structures and waterways are interconnected in complex ways, many of which we cannot fully understand. In order to maintain ecological balance, we need to focus on all of the puzzle pieces–and this is becoming harder to do as we lose more and more species to climate change and human activity.
Saviors of wildlife focuses on lesser-known species because they are our early-warning signals for larger issues facing the ecosystem. For example, amphibians have a tremendous impact on their environment. They are not the face of environmental conservation in the same way as elephants,rhinoceros or gorillas, but because of their size and genetic makeup, these creatures are much more sensitive to climate change.
For example, saviour of wildlife is working to save amphibians, reptiles but also supporting efforts of conserving big wildlife like Rhino, giraffe and elephants through conservation education and capacity building to wildlife practititoners.
Saviours of wildlife is also working to save the world’s most endangered marine mammals. Only about 30% are left in the wild due to them becoming entangled in gill nets set for illegal fishing activities.The marine creatures are the most endangered Species.
Our planet is facing a biodiversity crisis. Last month , I was fortunate to share comment with Jane Goodall to discuss this critical issue. She reminded the word that she spoke to me 5 years ago “don’t forget, every single one of you makes a difference every single day.”
As we sit on the brink of losing thousands of more species, throwing our future into jeopardy, I am now asking you to make smart decisions .Please join us in reversing this crisis and making our collective future more secure contact
Brighton Mbilinyi, saviours of wildlife,college of African wildlife management.
brightonfrancis91@gmail.com +255756 525739
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