Tourism under threat from rhino poaching

Information & discussion on the Rhino Poaching Pandemic
Post Reply
User avatar
Lisbeth
Site Admin
Posts: 67237
Joined: Sat May 19, 2012 12:31 pm
Country: Switzerland
Location: Lugano
Contact:

Tourism under threat from rhino poaching

Post by Lisbeth »

BY GARETH WILSON - 19 October 2018

Image
Image: Henk Kruger

Rhino poaching could hit the country’s billion-rand tourism industry but more research is needed, experts say.

The Eastern Cape could feel the brunt of a possible tourism downturn as it is home to a number of game reserves.

A World Travel and Tourism Council 2018 report states that the total contribution of the travel and tourism industry to SA’s GDP was R412.5bn – 8.9% of the GDP in 2017.

The report states this is forecast to rise by 2.9% in 2018.

The department of environmental affairs said 508 rhinos had been poached between January and August 2018 – compared with 691 during the same period in 2017.

However, 15 rhinos have been killed in the Eastern Cape since January – already higher than the total for 2017.

Tourism specialist Peter Myles said research in other African countries already facing a poaching crisis showed a link to an impact on tourism.

“According to a number of reports this is already happening in Tanzania, where tourism is the second-most valuable sector to their economy.

“The Tanzanian Wildlife Research Institute has reported there may be as many as 30 elephants being poached per day, which is believed to be contributing to a declining tourism economy over the last two years,” Myles said.

“Similarly, tourism in Mozambique is extremely important. [But] currently, with the uncontrolled nature of poaching in the country, it has resulted in a culture of unsustainable resource consumption.”

Myles said this prevented the growth and development of safari tourism in Mozambique and ultimately sustainable employment opportunities for a poverty-stricken population.

He said SA’s tourism sector was showing growth but warned it needed to be monitored to ensure future growth.

“Responsible safari and ecotourism operations are major drawcards and SA still offers the world’s most accessible opportunities to view rhinos in their natural habitat,” he said.

Asked if the spate of poaching attacks was likely to dissuade people from visiting reserves, Myles said: “Some tourists may decide not to come because of safety concerns and others will come because they know that their spending will contribute to funds for combating poaching.

“Also, some tourists may feel that if rhinos are destined to become extinct then it may be their last chance to view them in their natural environment.

“A drop in visitor numbers because of a concern for safety – for example, poachers armed with AK47 rifles – would certainly mean the parks and reserves would lose valuable revenue for maintenance, roads and conservation.”

Myles said while a spike in visits might occur if visitors believed rhinos would become extinct, there were potentially devastating consequences for future visits if poaching and anti-poaching activities continued to be seen as part of the wildlife experience.

In 2017, researchers from the University of Pretoria called for more research into the effect of poaching on the industry.

“They agreed there were potentially crippling consequences for tourism.

“A decline in tourist visits will directly affect tourism revenue which forms the bulk of the funding for conservation and protection of endangered animals,” they said.

Kariega Game Reserve manager Mike Fuller said poaching would definitely have a negative effect.

“The rhinos are part of the big five and a drawcard for tourists to come to the Eastern Cape and our reserves.

“Without rhinos, this would certainly affect the industry and we would all feel it.

“It is imperative that poaching is fought and stopped to ensure the sustainability and growth of tourism in the province and country, including the reserves.”

Last week, DA MPL Andrew Whitfield tabled a motion in the legislature asking the government to intensify efforts to dismantle the criminal syndicates killing rhinos.

Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency CEO Vuyani Dayimani said the biodiverse fauna and flora in the province was an ecotourism drawcard.

“The Eastern Cape has a good rhino conservation track record and continues to build on this by focusing its efforts on combating rhino poaching through various mechanisms, especially for its provincial nature reserves,” he said.

“Rhino poaching is a global challenge where national efforts are consolidated with law enforcement agencies because of its syndicate elements.”

https://www.heraldlive.co.za/news/2018- ... -poaching/


"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela
The desire for equality must never exceed the demands of knowledge
User avatar
Richprins
Committee Member
Posts: 75834
Joined: Sat May 19, 2012 3:52 pm
Location: NELSPRUIT
Contact:

Re: Tourism under threat from rhino poaching

Post by Richprins »

One must push this angle, definitely, along with the number of jobs that will be lost and lack of foreign income! :evil:


Please check Needs Attention pre-booking: https://africawild-forum.com/viewtopic.php?f=322&t=596
User avatar
Lisbeth
Site Admin
Posts: 67237
Joined: Sat May 19, 2012 12:31 pm
Country: Switzerland
Location: Lugano
Contact:

Re: Tourism under threat from rhino poaching

Post by Lisbeth »

I am not too sure that the poaching in itself keep the tourists away, but if they start not seeing rhinos anymore, it will be another story :yes:


"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela
The desire for equality must never exceed the demands of knowledge
User avatar
Flutterby
Posts: 44150
Joined: Sat May 19, 2012 12:28 pm
Country: South Africa
Location: Gauteng, South Africa
Contact:

Re: Tourism under threat from rhino poaching

Post by Flutterby »

A friend has just come back from a week in Kruger and they didn't see one rhino!! :-(


User avatar
Richprins
Committee Member
Posts: 75834
Joined: Sat May 19, 2012 3:52 pm
Location: NELSPRUIT
Contact:

Re: Tourism under threat from rhino poaching

Post by Richprins »

As I said, in my last 4 trips over 2 months we saw rhino on one day only...out of 10 days! O-/

Goldenboy saw quite a few on a daytrip last week though! \O


Please check Needs Attention pre-booking: https://africawild-forum.com/viewtopic.php?f=322&t=596
Post Reply

Return to “Rhino Management and Poaching”