Rhino Poaching 2013

[Penga Ndlovu]

345

[Penga Ndlovu]

That means a rise of 50 dead Rhinos in just one week.

[Mel]

Appalling!

[Sharifa]

Heard on the early morning environmental slot on Radio 702 yesterday that some people are putting the KNP white rhino population as low as 3000.

Also that we hell bent in legaizing trade - except that by the time the next CITES meet in 2016 there may be no rhinos in KNP.

At 50 a week we heading that way very quickly.

[Richprins]

Hey, Sharifa!

I don't think we are that low yet regarding numbers, and the thing is when numbers get that low, it becomes more difficult for poachers, and easier for Guards. This has happened throughout Africa. However, it is obviously not where we want to be!

The worst-case scenario is that there is so much diplomatic conniving interationally, and so much inside info regarding rhino locations from Kruger specifically, that the spiral will increase so fast that top-level insiders will simply change from providing info to syndicates in return for cash, and feed at the trough themselves.

That's my biggest worry, but the worst-case scenario, so I don't think so!

[Penga Ndlovu]

346

False Bay Park

[Sharifa]

Thanks for that Richprins, agree with you. I think we at about 7000-8000

Talking about insiders - yep, how do they get to Pretoriuskop?

[Richprins]

how do they get to Pretoriuskop?

The experienced Moz types are used by the syndicates as experts, in many cases, to come around on the Western side of Kruger, where weapons are provided if they can't bring their own. But cellphone reception plays a large role there. I've queried that, but shutting it down at night infringes on human rights, etc. and also impedes law enforcement, so won't work!

[PennyinSA]

Figures are off the richter scale - now 353!!!!!!!!!!!

[iNdlovu]

353?????????????? Is this the official figure Penny.

RP, it is great to have an optimist around here, heaven knows we need it, but there is nowhere near 8000 rhino in Kruger, cut that by 50% and you may be close. This I have on very good authority from a head warden, someone I would trust with my life.

The grab is on for those few left, before the cash cow runs out...mark my words