Rhino moved to prevent poaching

2012-10-15 11:28

(Green Renaissance)

Durban - Thirteen black rhino have been moved from the Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife reserve to a new home in the province to prevent poaching, the Mercury reported on Monday.

The rhino were moved as part of the World Wildlife Fund's Black Rhino Range Expansion project, which helps increase their numbers.

Project head Jacques Flamand said the rhino were sedated and flown by helicopter to their new home.

"We believe this is the best way to move rhinos as it does not compromise their breathing and reduces the distance and time they have to travel by truck over difficult terrain," he said.

According to the World Wildlife Fund SA, there are about 5 000 black rhino left in the wild.

This year more than 400 black and white rhino have been killed and dehorned in the country to feed a market in the East where their horns are believed to have healing properties.

- SAPA