259 RHINOS POACHED IN SA IN LAST 6 MONTHS

KwaZulu-Natal has been identified as a hot spot for rhino poaching, especially during the last six months.

It was announced by the Department of Forestry and Fisheries recently that 259 rhinos have been poached in the province during the first half of the year.

During a media meeting, Minister Barbara Creecy said that poachers are increasingly targeting private reserves, especially those in KwaZulu-Natal.

She emphasised that a united approach is needed to combat the poachers.

“This makes it all the more important for government at the national level to shift its focus to supporting our provincial authorities.”

EWN reports that from January to the end of June, 82 rhinos were poached for their horns in the Kruger National park. But there has been a massive increase in KwaZulu-Natal – which recorded a loss of 133 rhinos.

Over the last six months, 69 people have been arrested in connection with horn trafficking and rhino poaching. Only 13 of these were alleged poachers in the Kruger National Park.

According to the statement released by the Department, the number of rhinos poached between January and June 2022 is 10 more than the 249 poached countrywide in the first six months of 2021. From January to end of June 2022, 82 rhino were poached for their horns in the Kruger National Park.

Image credit: Power of positivity