More resources are needed to help curb the poaching of rhinos at the Kruger National Park (KNP), the park has said.
Managing executive Glen Philips said the effort to combat poaching cost the park close to R270 million this year, yet more was needed.
In 2014, the effort had cost R14 million, he said.
ALSO READ: WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT: Rhino poaching down but more elephants targeted
Philips said the money covered the employment of rangers, equipment such as helicopters and other security features.
At its peak in 2007, the 19,485 km² park had 15 000 rhinos but this number had plummeted to 9 000 last year.
SA National Parks spokesperson Ike Phaahla said some rhinos were moved to safer areas for their protection.
Local and Mozambican security forces and rangers at the greater Libombo conservency conducted daily operations and patrols to try to prevent the killings.
The area, which borders the two countries had a 400km long fence separating the Kruger and Sabie parks. Some parts of the fence showed damaged from forced entry.
ALSO READ: World Rhino Day: 5 ways to curb rhino poaching
Anti-poaching manager at Sabie, Tiaan Kleynhans said the cooperation between the two parks played a significant role in tracing and apprehending suspects.
Kleynhans said resources were an issue across the border.
“You are looking at a total of 20 rangers to cover an area of 35 hectares. We really need a lot more resources to further combat the poaching crises,” he said
The Mozambican government increased the penalty for poaching to a maximum of six years in jail in an effort to combat poaching.
“This is a giant leap on the Mozambique side as previously guys would get away scot-free,” he added.
The two parks said they would continue to work together to protect the existence of the rhino.
ALSO READ: GRAPHIC IMAGES: INFOGRAPHIC: Elephant poaching on the rise
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
