Compared with the likes of Kruger, Pilanesberg has remained relatively unperturbed by the scourge of poaching that is ravaging South Africa, with no new cases recorded since early 2011.

Nonetheless, when I last visited the park in February this year, Conservation Manager Steve Dell was quick to remind me that no one should be getting ahead of themselves.

Rhino-Pilenesberg He said he felt that whether Pilanesberg was being targeted or not had little to do with conservation or anti-poaching efforts and more to do with the simple fact that “for whatever reason the poachers haven’t really come here yet . . .It’s Kruger now, but who’s to say that it won’t be us next”.

With these cautionary words in mind, Pilanesberg officials and locally-operating NGOs have certainly not been resting on their laurels waiting for such a time to come. Within the last few months three brand new Toyota Land Cruisers were given to the park by the late Mark Godefroy’s Wilderness Foundation, one of which is to be used to bolster the capabilities of the K9 anti-poaching unit operating within the park. Meanwhile, former Proteas’ star Mark Boucher’s NGO, SAB Boucher Conservation, has carried out regular rhino notching excursions within the park, often inviting high-profile corporates such as Mercedes-Benz to be involved in the process. Rhinos are tranquilized and their DNA is extracted, whilst microchips are implanted to track the animals’ movements. The DNA extractions assist the law enforcement services in successfully convicting poachers as rhino horns can be traced to poached rhino crime scenes.

Steve Dell has often reiterated in the media that Pilanesberg, with a fairly meagre state budget, relies heavily on sponsorship and outside involvement to fund and support its anti-poaching measures. Organizations like Boucher’s can help to ensure that if the focus of the poachers should shift towards Pilanesberg, then the park certainly won’t be caught unawares.  After all, Pilanesberg is currently one of South Africa’s top destinations to view these incredible animals. Let’s hope it stays that way.