Rhino Poaching 2013

[Bushveld Jock]

Media Release: Three white rhinos poached in the Kruger National Park


Date: 8th January 2013

South African National Parks (SANParks) today announced that three rhinos had been lost since the beginning of the year. The animals were lost in two separate incidents. A hunting rifle and two sets of horns were recovered.

In the first incident, two white rhino were shot and killed on the Houtboschrand section of the Kruger National Park (KNP). According to Abe Sibiya, Managing Executive at KNP, “indications are that the two animals were shot on the 1st of January by a poaching group from Mozambique, their horns were removed and the group escaped”.

In the second incident, rangers deployed in the Lower Sabie area, made contact with a group of three poachers. Shots were exchanged and the three managed to escape but left behind a high calibre hunting rifle and a bag containing a set of rhino horns. In a follow up operation, the carcass of a white rhino, with horns missing was discovered. “This is not an ideal way to start the year but the initiatives that we have put in place, especially the aerial surveillance one is teaching us a lot and we are making a lot of progress” said Sibiya.

Issued by:
SANParks

Enquiries:
Ike Phaahla
SANParks Media Specialist
Tel: 013 735 4300, Cell: 0836736974
Email: isaac.phaahla@sanparks.org

Sanparks media specialist issued a media release on 8 January of the 2 rhino killed in the Houtboschrand section on 1 Jan and in the second media release of 16 Jan only mentioned about 2 killed on 8 January. Either 2 more rhinos to be added or Ike is getting mixed up with dates.

[Richprins]

They are mixed up, and that is why the general was brought in to TRY to get some coordination going.

Contacted a ladyfriend in Mozambique last week, and she says there is a great deal of development taking place there in rural areas bordering Kruger...houses, cars, DSTV etc.

Will put up a letter from today's Lowvelder in the same vein!

[Richprins]

Also a rather disturbing opinion that the Moz locals have little or no regard for the merits of conservation, and see little benefit from the Transfrontier Park. This contrasts with communities on the SA side that realise and receive benefits from the massive tourism industry on their side!

[Penga Ndlovu]

15+

[Penga Ndlovu]

Up in the North West 2 more rhino bulls down.

17+

[Flutterby]

[harrys]

[Bushcraft]

[Flutterby]

Two more rhino killed near Brits
2013-01-20 17:32
News24

Johannesburg - Poachers have killed two rhino at a game farm in Brits, in North West, the Hawks said on Sunday.

"One was dehorned and the other was not, it seemed the poachers were disturbed," said Captain Paul Ramaloko.

He said the rhino cow and bull were shot dead on either Thursday or Friday at the Sable game reserve.

"The task team established to investigate rhino poaching will crack this case," he said.

In 2012, poachers killed 668 rhino in South Africa.

- SAPA

[Penga Ndlovu]

The NWCRU has issued a new update.

Between 20 and 23 rhino rhino have killed already this year.