Time running out for poaching input
People are encouraged to report information related to rhino poaching to a crime tip-off line.
ORGANISATIONS wanting to help in the fight against rhino poaching have until today (Friday) to provide government with their suggested anti-poaching strategies.
The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has urged all its partners to review South Africa’s current strategy after 86 rhinos have already been killed this year.
Last year was the worst on record, with 1 004 rhinos killed.
‘The aim of this review process is to identify priority areas that require additional assistance and gaps that must be addressed,’ said DEA spokesperson Albi Modise.
He said the department also hoped to identify opportunities to collaborate, cooperate or consolidate existing projects and initiatives with its partners.
The department’s partners include NGOs, non-profit organisations, fund-raisers, rhino conservation and anti-poaching service providers and donors involved in rhino-related projects.
Modise said 21 suspected poachers have already been arrested this year compared to 343 suspects arrested last year.
Most of the rhinos poached so far this year were killed in the Kruger National Park (63), eight in KwaZulu-Natal, six in Limpopo, four in the Free State, three in Mpumalanga and two in the North West.
Both South Africans and members of the international community are encouraged to report information related to rhino poaching to the anonymous tip-off lines 0800 205 005, 08600 10111 or Crime-Line on 32211.
