Four rhino killed including calf in KZN
Three adult male white rhinos and one calf were found dead at Mkhuze Game Reserve, in KwaZulu-Natal.
Police forensic investigators estimate the animals were killed about 48 hours before they were discovered on Saturday, Zululand Observer reported.
All had been shot, and the three adults had been dehorned, police forensic investigators said.
This bloody discovery does not bode well for the year ahead, after the country experienced its worst ever rhino death rate last year when the estimated number of rhino poached in South Africa reached 1155, 92 of these in KZN, added police forensic investigators.
The slaughter has steadily risen over recent years, despite beefed-up security, numerous arrests and deaths of poachers.
Past national statistics show the trend:
- 333 in 2010
- 448 in 2011
- 668 in 2012
- 1004 in 2013
- 1155 in 2014.
The department of environmental affairs is expected to release the final 2014 rhino poaching statistics soon.
In a separate incident, two suspected rhino poachers were shot dead in the Kruger National Park (KNP) last week.
KNP spokesperson William Mabasa said three men opened fire on rangers patrolling the Crocodile Bridge section of the park at dawn.
“The rangers and poachers exchanged fire, and two poachers died from their wounds,” said Mabasa.
“The third suspect managed to escape. These are the first fatalities in the park this year,” added Mabasa.
– Caxton News Service
Read original story on zululandobserver.co.za
