Anger over growth in rhino poaching

2010-07-28 19:01

Michael Hamlyn

Cape Town - An "alarming escalation" in poaching of big game – in particular of rhinos - has the conservation authorities on high alert.

According to figures released on Wednesday by South African Nation Parks (SANParks), 152 rhinos have been poached so far this year.

The Kruger National Park alone has lost 1 black rhino and 65 white rhinos to poachers since January.

The Provincial Parks suffered a loss of 3 black rhinos and 42 white rhinos while private game owners lost 1 black rhino and 40 white rhinos.

SANParks confirmed that they also add rhino calves that are found dead as a result of their mothers being poached, to the total figure.
 
"Perhaps it is no longer appropriate to refer to this spate of illegal killing of rhinos as poaching given the levels of sophistication, violence, precision and the money behind it.

Organised crime

"We are dealing with unprecedented high levels of organised crime which the police and all security agencies are helping to defeat," said David Mabunda, chief executive of SANParks.

"We have worked hard as a country, to bring this species back from the brink of extinction and we will continue to defend it even if we become the last man standing."

The estimated population of white rhinos for the country as a whole at 2009 was 19 409, while the black rhino population figure was 1 678.

While it is evident that the breeding populations, especially of white rhinos are stable, Mabunda reiterated his plea to the public to alert the authorities of any suspicious activity noticed in relation to rhino killings.

To date 47 suspects comprising of foot-soldiers and high level dealers have been arrested throughout the country.

"Conservation bodies and private owners of rhino reserves alone will not stop this war," he said.

"We are all responsible for the preservation of our natural heritage and everyone's help is needed so please stand up and be counted in putting an end to this scourge."

- I-Net Bridge (News24)

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