ICORP
Protect Last Strongholds of Rhinos, Elephants, Lions & Other Endangered Species in Southern Africa
Protect the Frontline
International Coalition of Rhino Protection is on the front line in South Africa, ensuring futures for diverse local wildlife. ICORP works with local communities towards sustainable economic alternatives to the poaching trade, and is spearheading the ambitious establishment of a new ICORP wildlife sanctuary.
Project Details & Background
Founded by South African national Marc McDonald, the International Coalition of Rhino Protection (ICORP) is an organization dedicated to ensuring that the flora and fauna of Africa is preserved and protected for future generations to enjoy. The committed team, composed of members from around the world, has two primary missions: to safeguard wildlife at assigned sanctuaries, and to raise awareness and educate the public about the challenges facing Africa’s natural heritage. In partnership with the Terra Conservation Initiative, ICORP operates a well-trained and equipped Counter-Poaching Unit at a designated South African wildlife Reserve. ICORP’s team is in the field everyday of the year, securing and protecting African wildlife from those who seek to do them harm. Innovative protection strategies, industry best practices, and strategic planning with Reserve management protect and ensure the survival of this critical wildlife population. In the coming years, ICORP aims to establish its own autonomous, sustainable wildlife preserve in the region.
The ICORP Founder
Marc McDonald
Founder
Marc McDonald joined the South African National Parks system in 1992. In 2004, Marc opened a small and intimate safari company escorting clients on specialized birding and botanical tours into Mozambique and the northern areas of Kruger National Park. He also served as Park Warden of Sabie Game Park in Mozambique. In 2010, Marc became Ranger in Charge of several national parks and state forests in Australia. He was then appointed to a senior ranger position in Western Australia in the remote Millstream Chichester National Park. His deep love of the wilderness and commitment to protecting wildlife led him back to Mozambique to lead a Counter-Poaching Unit where he was instrumental in the fight against poachers targeting rhino and other species. Marc and ICORP’s Counter-Poaching Unit is now providing security and counter-poaching support for a Reserve in the Mopani Region of the Limpopo Province.
FAQs
Am I contributing to ICORP or to the Terra Conservation Initiative?
Your donation will go to Terra Conservation Initiative to support iCorp and other TCI conservation organizations.
Is my contribution tax-deductible?
Yes, Terra Conservation Initiative (TCI) is a program sponsored by Ngaren, a 501(c)(3) organization.
Is the government South Africa providing any support to ICORP?
Unfortunately, no. The South African government only provides support to the country’s National Parks. As a nonprofit organization assisting on wildlife reserves, ICORP does not receive any funding from the government. While most Counter-Poaching Units charge for their services, ICORP provides its services to the reserves it works with for free. That’s why your donation here counts. Every dollar contributed to ICORP goes directly towards fundings its Counter-Poaching Units on daily patrols. Founder Marc McDonald does not collect a salary for his work with ICORP.
How many people are in the field with ICORP at any given time?
5 ICORP Rangers, and 2-4 volunteer rangers.
Does ICORP have statistics on their impact in the region thus far?
ICORP has dramatically improved the landscape for wildlife by creating a hostile environment for poachers. In Mozambique, ICORP was asked to assist a reserve that was under siege from poachers; not only were the poachers wiping out wildlife on the reserve’s plains, but the reserve was also being used as a springboard to killing rhinos to the west in Kruger National Park. One year into ICORP’s engagement in Mozambique, they’d established a mile buffer around the reserve and significantly reduced poaching from 80-90% incursions to one poaching incident per month. During these operations, Marc McDonald discovered a mole in his unit and promptly fired him. McDonald was also arrested in Massingir after an engagement with corrupted police, but through a Reserve Foreman contact from Mozambique, he was able to negotiate his release. In South Africa, ICORP’s CPU has done a full court press. After three armed poachers breached their fence in the first month of operations, ICORP brought in a chopper and K9 units, saved a rhino from being shot, and chased criminals off of the land. Since that time, no rhinos have been harmed. The presence of ICORP has a direct and measurable impact on the poaching trade, and with your support, that impact will expand exponentially.
What are the primary risks that ICORP rangers face in the field on a daily basis?
ICORP encounters armed mafia-style poaching syndicates daily who are actively slaughtering the flagship species of Southern Africa to fuel and fund illegal activities—weapons, drugs, child smuggling—across the continent. For ICORP’s rangers, these can be life and death situations. To securely do their jobs, they need the proper equipment, funding, and practical support.
Are there additional things besides fiscal support that I can also contribute?
Yes. You can forward this campaign to family and friends, encouraging them to get involved and support ICORP’s rangers in the field. ICORP is also always seeking volunteers. If you are interested, you can learn more here.
When does ICORP hope to establish its own wildlife preserve?
ICORP is already currently in negotiations with Mozambique and South Africa to establish its own reserves, which would ensure the protection of wildlife on those lands. With its own critical training programs and operations, ICORP will have control over the reserves. It will also be able to maintain a professional level of support for the communities, the rangers, and the staff. It is ICORP’s belief that the creation of self-sustaining, autonomous reserves are crucial for the success of wildlife and wildland protection.