The CCN has been operating a rhino monitoring and
surveillance programme in the MMNR since the mid-
1980s, which has
successfully recorded and monitored long-term changes in rhino
numbers within the Reserve. Alongside the issue of the
coordination of these activities across the ecosystem (discussed
under Action 1.3), the other major factor impacting on the
efficiency of rhino surveillance and monitoring
operations has been the high turnover of staff in the Rhino
Protection Ranger Unit. This high turnover has beenattributed to a
number of causes, including the heavy workload and long hours
expected of the rhino rangers, and the relatively remote
locations in which these rangers operate for much of the time. This
loss of staff has undermined both the effectiveness of any
training that monitoring staff have received, and the
retention of experienced staff within the unit. As a first
step towards addressing this issue, MMNR management
will develop new terms of service for Rhino Protection
Ranger Unit staff, which will aim to ensure that staff
remain in the unit for at least three years. Features of
the terms of service that will help achieve this goal
will include: specification of times on and off duty
(e.g. a two-weeks on, two-weeks off system), and the introduction
of an incentive or “top-up” scheme for rhino
surveillance staff, potentially through donor support (as
is currently the case in the Serengeti National
Park). The terms of service should also include the option to
extend service in the unit for a further three years,
providing both the ranger concerned and MMNR
management agree.
