Due to poaching, there are only 5,055 black rhino left in the world. Namibia's Damaraland desert is home to the largest concentration of the population.
Tracking the black rhino —
Due to poaching, there are only 5,055 black rhino left in the world. Namibia's Damaraland desert is home to the largest concentration of the population.
Andrea Oschetti/CNN
First encounter on the trail is a desert elephant, under the ana trees. Elephants love the fruit and shade the trees provide.
Elephant sighting —
First encounter on the trail is a desert elephant, under the ana trees. Elephants love the fruit and shade the trees provide.
Andrea Oschetti/CNN
Sign of a rhino passing through: thorn bushes cut at 45 degrees.
What's for lunch? —
Sign of a rhino passing through: thorn bushes cut at 45 degrees.
Andrea Oschetti/CNN
Finding the rhino is an exercise in how to read the landscape and be aware of its smallest details.
Scanning the horizon —
Finding the rhino is an exercise in how to read the landscape and be aware of its smallest details.
Andrea Oschetti/CNN
After a long day of walking and tracking, the rhino finally comes into view grazing on a riverbed. It's important to keep a respectful distance -- when disturbed unexpectedly, rhinos may charge.
Finally —
After a long day of walking and tracking, the rhino finally comes into view grazing on a riverbed. It's important to keep a respectful distance -- when disturbed unexpectedly, rhinos may charge.
Andrea Oschetti/CNN
The guide records the GPS position in his logbook. It's been a good day. Rangers in Damaraland are proud of their job and the community looks up to them.
GPS logbook —
The guide records the GPS position in his logbook. It's been a good day. Rangers in Damaraland are proud of their job and the community looks up to them.
Andrea Oschetti/CNN
The communities of Damaraland have become models for southern African conservation efforts. Leaders like Jantjies Rhyn (pictured) have helped empower their communities by partnering with eco-tourism operators for employment and training opportunities.
Connecting with the community —
The communities of Damaraland have become models for southern African conservation efforts. Leaders like Jantjies Rhyn (pictured) have helped empower their communities by partnering with eco-tourism operators for employment and training opportunities.
Andrea Oschetti/CNN