Decline of more than 17 per cent in KNP rhino poaching
Combined efforts are steadily making a dent in the rhino poaching numbers.
PRETORIA-The Minister of Environmental Affairs,Edna Molewa, said in a statement today that whilst victory could not be claimed outright there are promising signs that rhino poaching is now on a downward trend in South Africa.
A total of 414 alleged poachers have been arrested since 1 January and 31 August 2016 of which 177 were arrested in the Kruger National Park (KNP).A total of 94 fire-arms have been seized inside the park for the same period.
Poaching is on the decline in the KNP.Between January and August 458 rhino carcasses were found in the KNP compared to 557 in the same period last year.This represent a 17,8 per cent decline.
These figures come amidst a 27,87 per cent increase in the number of illegal incursions into the KNP.Nationally 702 rhino were poached for the same period.
Since January up to end of August 36 elephants were poached in the KNP, a drastic increase.”We are utilising our experience gained through our efforts to combat rhino poaching to end elephant poaching as well,” said Molewa.
