Flying for Rhino and Conservation was started by a group of dedicated pilots and conservationists who realised that our wildlife was under siege due to the increase in demand for animal parts such as rhino horn, elephant tusks, lion and leopard bones as well as numerous varieties of flora species.

Our work in the industry has enabled us to realise the vital role that aerial surveillance plays in the fight against animal poaching, not only in the location of animals, but also in the tracking and apprehension of poachers. Through the use of the Bathawk (Light Sport Aircraft), we are able to patrol over key areas for between four to five hours a day, giving us a very workable solution to the high running cost of traditional aeroplanes and helicopters.

Over the past two years and the thousands of hours in flying time, we have had great success using the Proudly South African built LSA, the Bat Hawk, to support anti-poaching teams on the ground in the Kruger National Park, the Trans Frontier Park and other reserves in Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

With the experience acquired, the donors have put the Flying for Rhino and Conservation Trust together to perform the role of acquiring funding from further donors to purchase more aircraft, train pilots and technicians, maintain aeroplanes and support anti-poaching and conservation units within their area of deployment and need.

It is our vision to acquire funding and ensure that all the funding goes directly into the support of training, flying and maintenance of these aircraft being used for conservation and animal protection in the field of anti-poaching.