The Game Rangers’ Association of Africa (GRAA) says the current poaching situation needs to be moved beyond the responsibility of rangers and the Department of Environmental Affairs and is urging the South African government to take a zero-tolerance approach.
“We call for an increased South African National Defence Force presence on our borders to maintain their effectiveness in securing the property, economy and citizens of South Africa,” it said in a statement.
“Game rangers operate in a constrained environment in terms of resources and legal boundaries compared to that of the military. The current poaching situation needs to be moved beyond the responsibility of the Department of Environmental Affairs. The financial pressure being felt through the deflection of duty to the Department of Environmental Affairs and ultimately, conservation, needs to be challenged,” said the statement.
The GRAA said the sacrifices made by field personnel deserved further recognition and appreciation. “The GRAA calls on President Jacob Zuma and the South African government to fully acknowledge the onslaught that our rangers are facing while they attempt to protect not only South Africa’s rhino but its natural heritage in general.”
The rhino poaching crisis being experienced in the Kruger National Park has escalated to the point where, as of May 23, 1065 rhino have been poached within the park since 2010.
“We urge the South African government to address the matter immediately with Mozambique at the highest possible diplomatic levels, with the mandated ministerial departments and to exert severe pressure on the Mozambican government to address the situation,” said the statement. “The current disregard by Mozambican citizens of the sovereignty of South Africa’s borders cannot be allowed to continue. The situation has escalated from an environmental issue to one of national security. It is time to acknowledge this and act accordingly with the full force of the law,” concluded the statement.
