HOEDSPRUIT – Kruger National Park (KNP) has raised alarm over the growing number of young people becoming involved in poaching, warning that the trend is not only threatening the country’s wildlife but also robbing communities of a productive generation.

Speaking at the World Environment Day commemoration hosted by the park in partnership with Total Energies, KNP communications general manager Ray Thakhuli said the profile of poachers has changed significantly over the years, with more young people now being arrested for wildlife crimes.

‘Environmental protection is a shared responsibility’

The event, held at the Dziphathu Green Tech project in Bende Mutale village just outside the Pafuri Gate, included the handover of machinery to the community-based environmental project as part of the park’s efforts to economically boost projects neighbouring it.

Addressing community members, Thakhuli reminded them that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility and not one that rests solely with the government.

“As we celebrate World Environment Day, let us remember that environmental protection is not the responsibility of the government alone. It is a shared responsibility. Virtually all of us have a role to play in protecting our forests, rivers, grasslands, wetlands and wildlife,” he said.

Poisoning of wildlife a growing concern

Thakhuli expressed particular concern about the continued poisoning of wildlife within the park, especially in the Pafuri area, where poachers use poison to target animals.

“Poachers enter the park and poison certain animals. When those animals die, vultures come to feed on the carcasses, and they also die from the poison,” he said.

He explained that every species plays a vital role in maintaining the natural balance of the ecosystem, making the loss of wildlife a serious environmental concern.

“All those animals form part of the ecosystem that protects us and supports our lives,” he added.

‘The picture of a poacher is becoming younger and younger’

Thakhuli said what worries conservation authorities even more is the age of those being arrested for poaching.

“I want to speak particularly to young people because the picture of a poacher is becoming younger and younger every day,” he said, citing the recent arrest of a 26-year-old man for poaching inside the park.

Instead of turning to crime, Thakhuli encouraged young people to develop business ideas that could improve their lives while contributing positively to their communities.

“If you come to us and say you have an initiative that you want to start, we will look at your proposal and, where possible, assist you to make it bankable,” he concluded.