Rhino Poaching 2014

[H. erectus]

Or is it maybe 30 tons, of 20 would be in DEA's hands for safekeeping!!!!

The other 10, well let's start looking,....

[H. erectus]

So by the way, always we harp sanparks sanparks sanparks!!!
What about that lot in Natal????

Wonder what stockpile they are sitting on, oops another channel
.gov,....

[Penga Ndlovu]

127

[okie]

Hmmm..... Am I talking too soon , for I see a very slight decrease in average killings
Last year ( 2013 ) , overall average was 2.75 rhinos per day , whilst today , for 2014 , at 127 total , daily average is 2.40 rhino's
Let's hope it is so indeed , because during the latter part of 2013 , the trend had an upward curve , actually topping more than 3.2 ( ?? ) per day . If this trend continues , it could mean a slowdown of as much as 25 % .
We are of course forever hopeful

[wynand]

How long does it actually take for a horn to grow, from the base
to a average size/weight???

I don't know what would be considered average size. I would guess the value goes up exponetially with weight and length, the biggest specimens probably fetching prime prices as whole showpieces in the lounges of the very affluent.

I've heard 3 years to "harvesting", but I've also heard 5. I'm guessing a 5 year horn would be worth more than double a three year horn.

Whatever the case, as long as we keep them alive, rhino keep growing horn and elephant keep growing ivory. Some animals die naturally, some are found with bullet wounds and their horns/ivory still attached. I'm surprised by the high figure of the "national stockpile" of horn that is quoted, but having thought it through, I believe that it is entirely plausible. And the stockpile will grow.

Are we going to burn it like Kenya did its ivory, or should we trade it? I'm still undecided about the pro/anti trade debate, but I'm beginning to lean towards pro trade. Not the "flood the market" approach. I don't see that working for long. Ivory poaching is said to have increased after the release of legal ivory unto the markets.

I'm beginning to see sense in allowing sustainable utilization principles applied to rhino and their horns. Did commercial participation in rhino breeding and hunting not lead to a dramtic increase in their numbers outside the KZN and National Parks? Legal, commercial stakeholders in rhino horn, protecting their turf, will surely increase the pressure on the illegal trade?

These are pressing problems that require clear thinking, not knee-jerk outrage at everything coming from .gov and the various Parks.

(edited a typo, not content)

[Richprins]

Thanks, wynand!

There is a big thread here: viewtopic.php?f=197&t=1141

Where the topic gets discused quite actively!

The stockpile was probably much bigger, and a lot has already vanished, IMO...

Remember, the SP cache has been carrying on since the 70's or even earlier, and KZN earlier than that!

[wynand]

There is a big thread here: viewtopic.php?f=197&t=1141

Where the topic gets discused quite actively!

Whoops. Sorry. All of 40 pages in that thread. I'll need some time to catch up.

[H. erectus]

Thank you for the input Wynand,...and indeed,...

These are pressing problems that require clear thinking, not knee-jerk outrage at everything coming from .gov and the various Parks.

However, who spoon feeds whom at the upper levels of governance???

Those stockpiles accumulated over many years!!!,...across the country!!!

To confuse matters even more, we have stakeholders Sanparks, KZN parks
and over and above private enterprise "demanding" a slice of the pie!!

In this very loosely affiliated setup of "circumstance" we have
.gov in control,...

At this point is where I need to decide and take stance i.r.o,.....

There are many hard working citizens out there breaking a back for
conservation, but heck it leave me some reason, even a figment to be
re assured!!,....

[Penga Ndlovu]

146

[nan]

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