Rhino poaching: A sad reality

The Department of Environmental Affairs released the Rhino Issue Management report at a meeting yesterday.

 

The aim of the report is to acilitate a common understanding of the key issues related to the protection and conservation of South Africa’s rhino population.

 

Rhino Issue Management Report was formulated after 14 consultative workshops with the different stakeholders.

 

The workshops and other processes were put in place to allow all stakeholders to collectively seek a solution to the devastating and escalating, internationally driven onslaught on the South African rhinoceros population.

 

 

The release of the RIM report comes as the number of rhino poached in South Africa increased to 515.

 

The Kruger National Park continues to bear the brunt of poaching with 321 rhino poached since January 1, 2013, while 54 have been killed for their horns in Limpopo, 53 in North West and 43 in KwaZulu-Natal.

 

A total of 143 alleged poachers have been arrested this year.

 

 

 

The final report submitted to the Minister and Department of Environmental Affairs in January 2013 has greatly assisted the Department in reviewing and updating its rhino response strategy outlined in the National Strategy for the Safety and Security of the Rhinoceros Population of South Africa (NSSSRPSA).

 

More than 515 rhino have been poached in South Africa the department confirmed, yesterday. Minister Edna Molewa however said earlier this month that South Africa is backing the legalising of trade in an attempt to stem poaching. 

 

In order to reduce the scourge of rhino poaching, South Africa will have to reduce the demand for rhino horn by 25% over the next five to ten years. Statistics showed a total of 7 rhino being poached in 2000 compared to more than 500 in 2013.

 

 

The Black Rhino is critically endangered in South Africa, while the White Rhino is under great threat.  Activists are however not impressed by the outcomes of the report, saying that there is no clear implementation plan on how to stop the scourge of rhino poaching. 

 

Director of Activists for Animals: Africa, Miranda Jordan says the stakeholder workshop is a waste of time.

 

Latest Rhino poaching statistics:

 

 

Number of arrests made: