Rhino Poaching 2013

[Richprins]

Ja, Boss...but a proper census will confirm either way regarding Kruger.

I agree with Sharifa...7-8 000 white rhino, chatting with other experts...but that was months ago?

[Toko]

11 rhino poached in KZN in past 20 days


21 May 2013
Eleven rhino have been poached in KwaZulu-Natal in the past 20 days, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife said on Tuesday (21/05/2013).

The carcasses of eight rhino, seven white and one black, were found in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Six were recently shot on the park’s western shores, and the other two along the eastern shores.

Two white rhino were found dead in the uMsuluzi Community Conservation Area, near Colenso. The other rhino, which was reported a week ago, was killed in the Weenen Nature Reserve.

Ezemvelo CEO Bandile Mkhize said this was "depressing”. However, he would keep working to tighten security.

"We will not drop our heads. However heartsore I feel today, we will fight with everything we’ve got to track down these criminals.

"No one can point fingers, but it would appear that these attacks came at a time when we were a little vulnerable, especially in the western shores area that has a 100km long boundary.”

Ezemvelo was preparing for a rhino summit which would take place at the University of Zululand, Kwa Dlangezwa, from May 22 to 23. Matters up for discussion included how to involve communities as the first line of defence, the national strategy on rhino poaching, and how to improve local networks’ combating of wildlife crime. - Sapa

[Richprins]

I've always had the feeling KZN were a step or two ahead of SP regarding rhino conservation. Notice Mozambique is not being blamed, and he hints at "fingers being pointed", and a good debate initiative going straight for the neighbouring communities, which is the logical thing to do!

[Flutterby]

Three farmers charged with trying to kill alleged rhino poacher
Sapa | 23 May, 2013 08:53


Three Limpopo farmers have been arrested for alleged attempted murder after apprehending a suspected rhino poacher.

The three farmers, PP Mare, Chris Naude and Johannes van Zyl, were being held in the Gravelotte police cells, Beeld reported.

Their lawyer Aldo Rech told the newspaper they were tipped-off earlier in the week that poachers would target the area.

They reportedly claimed they gave chase to two suspected poachers on Wednesday. One of them got away, but they caught the other one, who was injured while running through dense, thorny undergrowth, and found rhino dehorning tools.

According to Beeld, they tied him up and called police to arrest him.

Colonel Ronel Otto told the newspaper police found the man with a head wound, and decided to charge the farmers with attempted murder. He had since been admitted to hospital.

Rech reportedly denied that the farmers had assaulted him.

The farmers were expected to appear in the Phalaborwa Magistrate's Court later on Thursday.

[Flutterby]

[Bushcraft]

The farmers should have been given medals

[Mel]

story! (0)

[H. erectus]

Three Limpopo farmers have been arrested for alleged attempted murder after apprehending a suspected rhino poacher

This kind of attitude, unfortunately, will be the saving grace
for rhino!!!! The world needs to read stories like this in order
to realize the importance of it. This dreadful act must be curbed.

Innocent people and proud ones at that are getting caught -up in
unwanted situations with the law, because of pride and conservation.
This action needs to be respected somehow for the conservation of
rhino!!

.Gov desparetely need to take note of actions like this, since it does
secure their heritage, the same heritage they promise the people!!

[vinkie]

Media Statement: Rhino Poaching Update
Date: 23rd May 2013

Link: Rhino Poaching Update

Source: SANParks Media & News

[Toko]

Statement by the Department of Environmental Affairs, on the rhino poaching statistics (23/05/2013)

Rhino poaching update
23 May 2013

The number of rhinos poached in South Africa since the beginning of the year now stands at 350.

The Kruger National Park continues to bear the brunt of the poaching, with 242 rhino having been killed in the National Park since the beginning of the year. In the North West province a total of 29 rhino have been poached, while 28 have been poached in Limpopo, 33 in KwaZulu-Natal and 17 in Mpumalanga. The Gauteng province lost its first rhino to poaching this year during the past week.

The number of people arrested in relation to rhino poaching has risen from 98 to 106. The majority of these, 101, were at the level of poacher, with the rest being receivers.

South Africans are urged to report incidents of poaching and tip-offs to the anonymous tip-off lines 0800 205 005, 08600 10111 or Crime-Line on 32211.



For media queries contact:

Albi Modise
Cell: 083 490 2871