Here's .gov's contribution to SANParks rhino poaching.
R75 Million last year:
Environmental Affairs
Programme 5: Biodiversity and Conservation
Expenditure trends
Expenditure increased between 2009/10 and 2012/13 due to additional funding to the South African National Biodiversity Institute to ensure that the institute is able to deliver on its mandate; and to South African National Parks to improve and maintain critical infrastructure under its control. This trend is set to continue over the MTEF period. Additional allocations over the MTEF period include: R150 million to South African National Biodiversity Institute for the upgrade of infrastructure at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden education centre, R75 million to South African National Parks for combatting rhino poaching, and R70 million to iSimangaliso Wetlands Park Authority for infrastructure upgrades.
Wonder what the reaction would be if it was gold or diamonds that were being taken out illegaly from your country? Seeing as the value of the horn has exceeded the price of gold.
Dewi
What is the good of having a nice house without a decent planet to put it on? (H D Thoreau)
That's exactly my point RP. Once the Rhino are gone, Kruger will be worth a lot less as tourists will go elsewhere to see the big 5.
I'm not going to a SANParks reserve again until I see some positive results in the figures. The worsening situation forces me to look elsewhere to spend my money, although I'd rather be in KNP or KTP as first choice after having experienced these parks before. I wonder how many other potential visitors are also going elsewhere for the time being? There is also the risk that I or other potential visitors will find another jewel by looking elsewhere that I/we may not have discovered had we still be going to Kruger/KTP and hence never go back there again.
Dewi
What is the good of having a nice house without a decent planet to put it on? (H D Thoreau)
Not only in South Africa........ (source: wildlifeextra.com)
Translocated rhino poached just weeks after giving birth in Manas National Park, India
The rhino calf was rescued by a joint team of WWF-India, Assam State Forest Department and partner NGOs. It is now kept under continuous supervision of veterinarians. WWF is helping the partners monitor the calf, and will also help in rehabilitation.
Rhino had a calf just a few weeks old
April 2014. A rhino that Wildlife Extra reported on just a few days ago as having given birth in India's Manas National Park has been killed by poachers. This is the fourth translocated rhino to have been lost to poachers in Manas in the last two years and the latest in a surge of poaching plaguing India's State of Assam where 16 greater one-horned rhinos have been killed already this year.
Diane Walkington, director of international programmes at WWF-UK said: "This is incredibly sad news. We had such high hopes for this rhino and her new calf, with the birth being a wonderful sign that the rhinos are adapting to their new environment after being translocated over a hundred miles across the country. But her death just goes to show the scale of the poaching problem and the need for serious action to protect this incredible species."
Horn and claws missing
The carcass was found on 2nd April 2013 with its horn and claws missing and later identified as ‘Rhino 17' by the team monitoring its progress after translocation to the Park in 2012. It was last seen alive on 28th March with its calf.
Translocated rhinos
Out of the 18 rhinos translocated to Manas National Park only 14 remain alive now. The rhinos have been translocated under the Indian Rhino Vision 2020 programme (IRV 2020) - a joint initiative of the Department of Environment and Forests, Government of Assam, WWF-India, the International Rhino Foundation (IRF) and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, along with the Bodoland Territorial Council and supported by a number of local organisations.
Strengthened security
In spite of the support provided under IRV 2020 to Manas National Park to upgrade its infrastructure and monitoring capabilities to enable better protection for the translocated rhinos the poaching of rhinos is continuing unabated. After the previous poaching of a translocated rhino in Manas at the beginning of this year, a series of decisions were taken by the Assam Forest Department to strengthen security and patrolling in the National Park. However, they have not been able to stop poaching in Manas as is apparent from the latest incident.
The high demand for rhino horn from East Asian countries through the illegal wildlife trade continues to pose the greatest threat for the rhinos of Assam. After decades of conservation success which resulted in the population of rhinos in the state rising to approximately 2,400 currently, the spike in poaching over the last couple of years and the increasing use of sophisticated weapons to kill rhinos seems to indicate that poaching networks are strengthening.
WWF-India remains committed to the conservation of rhinos through the IRV 2020 programme, but feels that further translocation of rhinos to Manas could be done only after effective protection measures are established to ensure zero poaching in the Manas National Park. We are working closely with the Government to secure the remaining translocated rhinos in the Park.
"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
Namibia and Uganda are not the only places with success stories, our very own Timbivati has only had 2 rhinos poached since it was set up as a reserve in 1957. I would love to compare how many rhino have been poached in Kruger since the same period.
Now I know Kruger is a massive area and more difficult to patrol, but even so the ratios are all wrong. In my mind it is all about only having a few dedicated personnel and massive corruption in Kruger.
Man was placed in charge and given the duty of caring for all creation, are we doing it?
Link to a letter from Gerhard Smit to the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs. Unfortunately I cannot quote it as the subject has been locked on the SPF. I have received the letter directly from Gerhard, but cannot copy it from Word Doc. to the forum because it is full of formats that cannot be copied.
"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
Good morning dear friends.
I am very concerned about the current Rhino poaching crisis in our country.
I have compiled a letter to the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs about this matter.
I jave attached a copy of the letter for your information, you may send it to whomever you think fit who could assist in stopping this serious threat. You may also send it to any media of your choice.
Kind regards
Gerhard
Ref Rhino/DEA/1.0
The Honourable Edna Molewa.
Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs
Private Bag X447
Pretoria
0001
South Africa
10 April 2013.
Dear Minister,
Rhino poaching in South Africa.
1.0 I am sending you this letter as a one of many concerned citizens.
2.0 You are aware of the Rhino poaching statistics but I am including them as they are at this date:
4.0 Rhinos only still occur in viable numbers on the African continent, they used to roam the bush and plains of many others. Unfortunately due to poaching and lack of concern and care or the timeous intervention these animals have become extinct in all except our Africa. This situation is not satisfactory or acceptable.
5.0 I have made some extracts from the DEA, PSG Meeting held on 20 March 2013 Chaired by Mr. J de Lange.
6.0 The extract portions are in blue and my comments are in black.
7.0 Ms Rose Masela, Acting Head, National Wildlife Information Management Unit, DEA presented the statistics.
8.0 Statistics
The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) briefed the Committee on the issue of rhino poaching. My comments are here below in item 9:
9.0 All members attending the meeting did not seem to have the correct stats or did not understand them as the statement that generally the number of cases was reducing was made while an analysis of the stats indicate to the contrary:
9.01 As at 3 April 2013: 145 out of 203 poached, 1.56 per day in the KNP out of 2.18 while in 2012 425 out of 668 poached, 1.20 per day in the KNP out of 1.88.
9.02 Arrests statistics indicate:
YEAR - ARRESTS KNP - ARRESTS TOTAL 2012 - 73 - 267 2013 TO DATE - 36 - 60
The arrest stats indicate an increase. The conviction rate was 75%.
This seems low.
10.00 Matters discussed.
10.1 Members felt that the progress with formalising agreements was too slow. The country had taken criticism at international forums for a perceived lack of willingness to tackle the issue. This appears to be very valid, there seems to be a lack of urgency.
10.02 Members felt that the portion of border fence between South Africa and Mozambique that had been taken down to facilitate the transfrontier park should be re-erected. This is positive and would require constant and effective monitoring.
10.03 A joint communications system was being developed with Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The Chairperson could not believe that only one MoU had been finalised. Ms Masela said that three MoUs would be fully completed by the end of the first quarter of 2013/14. Here again seems to be a lack of urgency.
10.4 Mr Mketeni said the agreement with Thailand was still to be implemented. The MoU with Kenya would be signed shortly. The MoU with Mozambique had not been reflected in the presentation. Yet again there seems to be a lack of urgency.
10.05 The Chairperson had not seen this MoU. He had asked for copies of all the MoUs, bearing in mind that sensitive information would be kept confidential. He wanted to tie the matters down. He asked when the Mozambique MoU would be provided, hopefully that day. Why does the Chairperson have to ask for this, he should already have had his copy?
10.06 Ms Nosipho Ngcaba, Director-General, DEA, said that this MoU was with the security cluster. South Africa was attracting criticism at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) because of a perceived lack of action. The Chairperson said that all the MoUs should be completed by June 2013. The Chairperson has our full support as he is expressing a sense of urgency.
10.07 Mr. Mketeni said that the current agreements were at low levels. All the neighbours were covered by these agreements, but the issue of the rhinos was not specifically addressed. Why would the Rhino issue not be addressed? The Rhino issue should be a matter of priority because it involves a Red Data Species – the Black Rhino! Further I have also enclosed a copy of a SABC news clip regarding the Mozambican poachers being the benefactors of Rhino poaching.
10.08 The Chairperson said that the current situation was an embarrassment. A cap-in-hand approach was being followed at present. He requested a report with the finalisation dates, and what was to be done with the other states. Countries such as Botswana were already doing good work. The current situation is an embarrassment! Being apologetic is not going to further the cause of anti Rhino poaching! Diplomacy has yielded no success at all. I am in full support with the Chairperson, the current situation is an embarrassment, being apologetic is not going to further the cause of anti Rhino poaching, diplomacy has to date not been successful at all.
10.09 There were three main objectives.
10.09.i The first objective was to establish a centre for gathering information.
10.09.ii Law enforcement agencies would be supported to enhance case management.
The above objectives are fine but then they should be applied without exception and without delay, without implementation they are meaningless.
10.10 Mr Mketeni said that on the matter of stockpile verification, there would firstly be consultation with enforcement agencies. The DEA did not want to tamper with current investigations by offering amnesty. Information needed to be collected, and satellite offices would be established. In the third quarter, information should be gazetted. All of this should already have been in place. Why are the wheels turning so slowly?
10.11 The Chairperson felt that the schedule was completely unrealistic. Amnesty should be limited to one month, failing which there should be serious repercussions. He asked why the DEA wanted to take as long as a year to implement the programme. The Committee could give guidance, but did not have all the formation. The only way to get information from the private sector in current conditions was to impose penalties. There had been too much of a 'laissez-faire' attitude in the past. Government's house was not in order. When government wanted to engage in limited trade, it was not possible if there was no information on stockpiles. South Africa's credibility was in doubt. He wanted answers on when the amnesty would be completed and what the numbers were. It would be treated sensitively. There was no credibility in the process. Agreed with all the above, the chairperson will have the support of the majority of persons who really care.
10.12 Mr Mketeni said that the quarterly approach was to facilitate this.
10.13 The next question was on secure storage. Stockpiles from three other provinces were already been stored at the Kruger Park facility. Security measures should have been implemented in the first place, prior to storage, especially in view of the fact that a game farm owner in the Roedtan area of Limpopo had 66 harvested Rhino horns stolen from his facility. How can this be allowed by the responsible officials?
10.14 The Chairperson said that DEA did not have to wait for the legislative process. They could meet with the parties already. Quick action was needed and agreements could be reached informally. He wanted to see a business plan. Agree with all of this. There are too many excuses and reasons given whenever outstanding matters have not been resolved!
10.15 This information should be provided within a month. This should be done.
10.16 The world wanted to see South Africa moving. The need for secure storage might even be less than initially thought. Agreed, so do those of us who are concerned about the Rhino situation.
10.17 Mr Mketeni said that one issue was the establishment of a rhino sanctuary. National Parks are 'sanctuaries' where all animals should be safe! Stringent protective measures should be implemented with immediate effect!
10.18 The Chairperson said that there was a plan for the black rhino, and asked when the plan for the white rhino would be complete. This should have been done already. Mr Mketeni could not give a date. The rhino sanctuary should be an area well patrolled and secured. Dr. David Mabunda, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of South African National Parks (SANParks), said that there were problems with court processes, in particular the granting of bail to foreign nationals with no place of abode and with previous convictions. In Phalaborwa the previous day, four Mozambicans had been arrested and granted bail. This is a serious ‘loophole’ that should be taken care of.
10.19 The Chairperson noted asked if their passports had been removed. Dr Mabunda said that the suspects did not have passports. The Chairperson said that bail was the prerogative of a judicial officer, and their hands could not be forced. Stakeholders should talk to the judiciary and make them aware of the problems. He would be prepared to attend any meeting to discuss the issue. Agreed, please support the Chairman in his offer.
10.20 Dr Mabunda said that there were internal threats as well. They were not all with SANParks. There were wolves dressed in sheepskin. Some game rangers and other officials were involved in illegal activities. This was widespread. Conditions of service had been changed despite resistance from the unions. Integrity tests had been conducted. One area on the Mozambique border had experienced losses of over thirty rhino annually. After changing management, this had stopped altogether. Well done SANParks.
10.21 There were a limited number of South African Police Service (SAPS) and South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel to police the border. When there had been an onslaught on elephants in the 1992, there had been six companies of SANDF troops deployed, but now there was less than half a company. DEA deployed 450 game rangers, and outnumbered SAPS and SANDF members. More people were needed to monitor the boundary. There seems to be a total lack of communication or cooperation between the DEA and the Judiciary, the SANDF, the SAPS and the Dept of International Affairs. SANParks cannot do it on their own. Is the DEA not responsible for liaison with other Government entities?
10.22 The Chairperson asked about the fence. Dr Mabunda said that there was a 40km stretch where there was no fence. There were 30 breaches over a 400 km frontier. The 40 km length had been taken down as part of the Transfrontier Park. In view of the serious poaching problem, this fence issue must be addressed and reviewed.
10.23 The Chairperson said that 450 rhino had disappeared through the border. Until Mozambique could provide adequate measures to protect the rhino, the fence must be restored. This was the main problem. Fully agree with this suggestion.
10.24 Mr Mketeni said the issue was before Cabinet. When will this be discussed and when is an answer expected?
10.25 Ms Ngcaba said that President Zuma was meeting his Mozambican counterpart on the issue. When will this take place?
10.26 Restoring the fence was one option. This should not be an option! It is an essential priority that should be implemented right away without delay! Considering the seriousness of the matter, the President should deputize someone on his behalf when he is not available!
10.27 The Chairperson felt that the fence must be kept intact on the South African side. Transfrontier Parks would not work if the same measures were not taken on both sides of the border. Agreed.
10.28 Ms C Zikalala (IFP) expressed the opposition's support for the Chairperson on this issue.
10.29 Dr Mabunda said that continued measures were needed against rhino poaching. The population in the Eastern Cape was growing. The white rhino population was considered an ecological unit. There was global acknowledgement that the interventions being made by South Africa were effective. The challenge was the highly organised poaching operations being conducted. CITES had recognised that South Africa was doing something tangible. They should not be disillusioned over lack of success in the short term.
10.30 Dr.Mabunda said that two traffic officers had been dismissed in the KNP and one gate official, who had allowed unauthorised access to the park. Four rangers had been dismissed, and there were more cases under investigation. DEA was aware of the revenue position. Grant funding was provided for infrastructure.
11.00 Other discussions.
11.01 Ms M Wenger (DA) asked about the time lapse between arrest and conviction. If the fence was to be re-erected, there were budget considerations. The Chairperson said that if the Cabinet made the decision they would have to allocate funds. Agreed as a matter of priority.
11.02 Dr S Huang (ANC) said that the poaching in 2012 was reported as 528 cases. The report from the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) showed a total of 668. SANParks had a budget of R25 million for rangers. This was only for SANParks, which had its own budget. There was enough revenue. Is the budget sufficient?
11.03 Ms P Bhengu (ANC) asked if there was any provision for government to establish environmental courts.
11.04 Ms Manganye said that agreements would not work if there was not a common understanding on Rhino poaching. She asked if the various platforms were all in accord on the issue.
11.05 Mr Mketeni said that there had been engagement with security agencies. Risk assessments had been carried out. A number of officials were suspect of wrongdoing. A MoU was needed to go deeper with Africa still divided. Kenya had put forward some controversial accusations against South Africa, but these had been withdrawn. Operation Rhino was in place. The caring public of South Africa will only be convinced of the efficiency of “Operation Rhino” when there is a significant decrease in the rhino poaching statistics.
11.06 Ms Masela said that the average of 18 months between arrest and conviction had been reduced to four months. There was progress on the involvement of DoJCD and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). As law enforcement agencies were educated on environmental legislation the situation was improving. A national operational centre had been established. There seemed to be a gap in the interpretation of legislation between the judiciary and DEA.The Chairperson said that a workshop between DEA, prosecutors, SAPS and other role players should be considered. Willing and able magistrates should also be involved. The chances for environmental courts were slim. There was not enough capacity in the judiciary to deal with all the requests. A better approach was to have specialists in the NPA and SAPS to deal with these crimes. He could not understand how a foreigner without any travel documents could be released on bail. This is also not understood. There was provision for the training of magistrates, prosecutors and investigators. Dedicated time was more of an option than dedicated courts. If this is the option then please have it implemented.
11.07 The Chairperson said that there was a need to move to the next level. Specialists should brief the stakeholders on the legal intricacies. Fully agreed.
12.0 Legalizing the trade of Rhino products.
12.1 There has been much publicity about the DEA considering the legalizing of the trade of Rhino products, including Rhino horn.
12.2 The only beneficiaries of the sale of Rhino products will be those who have stockpiled these products and the traders of these products.
12.3 We are of the opinion that the legalizing of the sale of Rhino products will not stop the poaching of our Rhinos. Poachers will have no incentive to buy the rhino horns via legal channels when they can obtain the horns free of charge by means of poaching.
12.4 We are also of the opinion that Permits should not be issued for the harvesting of Rhino products, why should the Rhino be defaced in order to satisfy human greed?
National Parks are sanctuaries for wildlife and it is our duty to ensure the safety of these animals within the borders of such sanctuaries.
12.5 We are also of the opinion that Permits should not be issued to for the harvesting of Rhino products, why should the Rhino be defaced in order to satisfy human greed?
13.00 Recommendations
13.01 That the Chairperson becomes more involved in the anti Rhino poaching campaign
13.02 That the Chairperson be given the mandate to act on behalf of the DEA in this matter and maybe other matters of concern.
13.03 That communication and cooperation between the DEA and other Government Departments as mentioned in 10.21 above be improved.
13.04 That the process of implementing all the items mentioned be speeded up and that a sense of urgency become part of life for all the officials in the DEA, too many reasons for delays seem be accepted in their modus operandi.
13.05 That the MoU with Mozambique be finalized without any further delay as it has been stated by your Department that between 70% and 80% of the Kruger National Park poaching incidence originate from that country. This MoU should also then include an acceptable standing operational procedure for follow up operations.
31.06 SANParks cannot do it on their own; Rangers are Conservationists, not soldiers, half a Company of soldiers will have very little effect in stopping the poaching of our Rhinos. More members of the SANDF or SAPS should be deployed effectively with adequate command and control, until the onslaught on our Rhinos is under control. SANParks need every bit of support possible, in this matter.
31.07 That the DEA changes it’s ‘cap in hand’ attitude in this matter and starts doing whatever it takes to stop the destruction of our heritage.
13.08 That the trade of Rhino products not be considered until there is sufficient proof to everyone that the poaching of our Rhino is under control and that all the officials have been suitably and sufficiently trained in fulfilling their tasks and have proven that they are carrying out their task with the required diligence.
13.09 That a moratorium be placed on the hunting of Rhinos and the harvesting of Rhino products until such time that we have proven to ourselves and the rest of the world that the Rhino situation is under control.
Your kind consideration of this letter and cooperation in this very important matter will be greatly appreciated by all persons who care.
And SANParks pleads poverty??? 
