Integrating Nguni cattle into black rhino reserves: could this be a novel rural community-based conservation model?

Abstract

Biodiversity conservation of species requires a shift in our conservation approach. This perspective evokes a critical debate of enabling black African communities to become directly involved in species conservation. The proposed community-based conservation model presents an opportunity to pilot a culturally familiar, ecologically significant, and economically sustainable mixed land-use system that will complement efforts to manage the critically endangered black rhino in Africa. This might not be the only or even viable solution, but nevertheless, such community inclusive bottom-up driven discussions and debates are necessary for conservation.