Rhino Poaching 2013

[Toko]

From The CEO's Desk

FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2013
Dr David Mabunda

Poaching in the Kruger National Park has clearly become one of the greatest conservation challenges of our time, and is something we as SANParks are determined to deal with head on. I recently had the oppertunity to be involved in a five - hour helicopter pursuit of suspected poachers over densely vegetated terrain in the park. Over and above my long past association with the KNP, the experience of this pursuit gave me an additional appreciation of the difficulties that are faced by our rangers in this enviroment. Not only do they have to cope with the inhospitable and sometimes impenetrable terrain, but they also have to deal with heavily armed poachers who are backed by a sophisticated and well - resourced machinery. I am of the view that sometimes the category of "enviromental crime" and the term "poaching" do not fully cover the nature of what we are dealing with. Rhino poaching has become linked with organized crime syndicates, which have a national, regional and international character. We are dealing with a crime syndrome that is akin to crash - in - transit heists and the activities of the international drug cartels. Despite our best efforts in 2012, the number of rhino killed in Kruger continued to escalate, as they did nationally. What we have had to recognize is that we are in a war situation, requiring military measures to stem the tide of rhino mortalities. We have therefore appointed retired SA National Defense Force Maj Gen Jooste to head up a revamped command structure, which will give operations on the ground that extra momentum to contain the threat. We have also entered into partnerships with DANEL (a public-owned arms manufacturer), the Paramount Group (a private-owned arms manufacturer) and the Ichikowitz Family Trust to enable us to deploy cutting-edge technology in assisting the fight against this crime. As with many modern wars it is not just the will and determination of the forces on the ground, but also the ability to develop and utilize advanced technology, that will determine the eventual outcome. We acknowledge, of course, that the long-term solutions lie in dealing with the markets for rhino horn, and within the terrain of international relations, both in Asia and closer to home in respect of our neighbor Mozambique. In relation to the letter we recognize that the concept of Transfrontier Conservation Areas has brought benefits to conservation and to improving international relations. In the case in point, however, the dropping of the fence between the KNP and Mozambique has proved our weakest line of defense against incursions into the park by gangs of poachers. I will refrain from quoting the adage, “good fences make good neighbors", but suffice to say we are compelled to look at all options in order to defend the eastern boundary. You, the public, have been especially supportive throughout this ordeal, and I would like to extend a special word of thanks to all those who have given their time and resources in helping us to deal with this scourge. We know we will not eliminate it in the immediate future, but we are aiming to reverse the trend and at last see a reduction in the rate by the end of the year. We owe it to both current and future generations to ensure that we do not fail in this difficult and yet worthwhile Endeavour.

SANParks Times newspaper March 2013

[iNdlovu]

Dear Dr Mabunda,
Africa Wild questions the effectiveness of SanParks in fighting the poaching scourge, we are merely directed by the frightening statistics which have been building in leaps and bounds since 2011.
However, we fully appreciate the difficulties faced by the rangers, some of whom are highly dedicated people, and understand what hazards they face on a daily basis. We do not question their efforts but certainly question many of the decisions made by your management team as well as as those of the Minister of environmental affairs in this war against poaching.
It certainly doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand that as long as there are no fences between Kruger and Mozambique as well as the disgusting state of fences on the western boundary, this scourge will do nothing but increase.

As you have said, it is extremely difficult circumstances that Park Rangers have to work under in tracking and apprehending poachers, surely then common sense should dictate that it is of utmost importance to make it very difficult, if not impossible for poachers to enter Kruger. Reconstruction of the boundary fences should have been started way back in 2011, but unfortunately this critical aspect of security is still only alluded to by yourself and the Minister. The attacks on our natural heritage are of national importance and we cannot accept that the government cannot or is unwilling to provide the finances to re-build the all important fences.

We are fully in agreement that the fight needs to be taken to those countries that allow illegal trade in animals and to get the message across to the end users, but we see this as something that should be happening as an aside to the critical task of protecting our rhino. Unfortunately, the Minister seems to think that her negotiations are the main solution to the problem. In this we strongly disagree.

The unofficial figure stands at 210 rhino poached this year with the official figure showing 191. Either way we cannot wait for the Minister's diplomatic efforts to start showing results, the border fence with Mozambique needs to be built now in conjunction with repairs to the western boundary fences.
Another area of major concern is the seemingly poor security at entrance gates and in staff villages. If, as many South Africans suspect, poachers and middlemen are gaining access to Kruger through these avenues how can we expect rangers,who face the dangers, not to feel that they are fighting a war with one hand tied behind their backs.

Africa Wild wants nothing more than to support SanParks in the fight against poaching, but will only feel confident that your organisation and the South African government is fully committed to the task once the loopholes mentioned above are urgently addressed.

[Richprins]

I recently had the oppertunity to be involved in a five - hour helicopter pursuit of suspected poachers over densely vegetated terrain in the park. Over and above my long past association with the KNP, the experience of this pursuit gave me an additional appreciation of the difficulties that are faced by our rangers in this enviroment. Not only do they have to cope with the inhospitable and sometimes impenetrable terrain, but they also have to deal with heavily armed poachers who are backed by a sophisticated and well - resourced machinery. I am of the view that sometimes the category of "enviromental crime" and the term "poaching" do not fully cover the nature of what we are dealing with. Rhino poaching has become linked with organized crime syndicates, which have a national, regional and international character.

David...this is three year old news. Resign.

[Richprins]

Why should this be happening?

We are working our butts off supporting the above, but it's a nightmare!

Some SP and some local and some National govt' officials, and some Army, some police etc. are involved, end of story. You may ask for proof until blue in the face, but that is our biggest problem! The sooner that is admitted to, the better.

[RobertT]

I recently had the oppertunity to be involved in a five - hour helicopter pursuit of suspected poachers over densely vegetated terrain in the park. Over and above my long past association with the KNP, the experience of this pursuit gave me an additional appreciation of the difficulties that are faced by our rangers in this enviroment. Not only do they have to cope with the inhospitable and sometimes impenetrable terrain, but they also have to deal with heavily armed poachers who are backed by a sophisticated and well - resourced machinery. I am of the view that sometimes the category of "enviromental crime" and the term "poaching" do not fully cover the nature of what we are dealing with. Rhino poaching has become linked with organized crime syndicates, which have a national, regional and international character.

David...this is three year old news. Resign.

-O now he was in the helicopter? Thought he was on ground with rangers walking for hours sharing only 2 bottles of water between them? -O

[Nkambeni K9]

Sad news, a SAAF chopper crashed last night during anti poaching patrol activities in Kruger, there was no survivors, may our brothers RIP. Hamba Kahle warriors.

[iNdlovu]

Sad news indeed, they died trying to save the rhino. May their families and loved ones have great strength through the rough times ahead.

[Penga Ndlovu]

One female poached in the Gravelotte area.
Aborted infant also died.

192

[Flutterby]

[Penga Ndlovu]

Alas.
Just went up again.

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