Mount Camdeboo Gets Proactive with AI Anti-Poaching Devices

Rhino poaching is a sad reality in South Africa, with nearly 500 rhinos killed across the country in 2023. Thanks to emerging technology and the will of caring individuals, there are new ways of combating this scourge.

Newmark Hotels & Reserves takes poaching seriously at all our privately owned game reserves. We’re excited to announce the introduction of AI anti-poaching technology at one of our properties, Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve, in the heart of the Great Karoo.

Rhinos Get New AI Foot Collars
Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve is thrilled about the introduction of AI tracking devices for their rhinos to help in the fight against devastating rhino poaching. Much like smartwatches, the foot collars fit snugly around the rhino’s ankle. These were developed by Rouxel Technology in Stellenbosch and were introduced at the reserve in July 2024.

What makes these foot collars revolutionary is that they not only provide 24/7 monitoring and GPS tracking, but they also use machine learning to become attuned to each rhino’s behavioural patterns. If any distress is detected, an alarm is immediately sent to the anti-poaching unit for rapid response.

Towards a Safer Future For Rhinos
The foot collars introduced at Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve will no doubt help to take control of the situation within the reserve.

Alerting owners to rhino distress signals in the case of potential threat also alerts nearby game reserves that danger may be imminent, and they can take the necessary precautions to protect their own wildlife. This is a huge step forward for the future of rhino conservation in the country.

The Team That Made It Possible
Each rhino at Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve received first-class care from an expert veterinary team during the fitting of their AI foot collars. The team was led by Eastern Cape rhino specialist Dr Will Fowlds of Ikhala Veterinary Clinic.

“This is a species that has been under enormous pressure, including on Mount Camdeboo, and it is special to be able to partner with them in establishing an instrument that advances our ability to take care of rhinos far better than we’ve ever been able to do before,” said Fowlds.

Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve manager David Parker emphasised the collaborative effort that made this initiative possible. “We are incredibly grateful for this support. It’s in working together where we find strength,” he said.

Special thanks must be given to the entire team involved, including the sponsors, vets, tech developers, and Mount Camdeboo staff.

Visit Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve in Graaff Reinet to experience the Great Karoo with all the beauty and comforts of premium hospitality. Enjoy a family-friendly manor house or cottage-style accommodation with a rich history, or try an eco-pod for a more immersive experience. From splendid dining to unique outdoor experiences, it’s a must-see safari destination. Book now with Newmark Hotels & Reserves.