South Africa lost 103 rhinos to poaching in the first quarter of this year. Dion George, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, said the figure is a “stark reminder of the relentless threat to our wildlife”.
National parks bore the brunt of the losses with 65 rhinos killed. Outside the national parks:
- KwaZulu-Natal reported 16 cases
- Limpopo 10
- Free State five
- North West four
- Mpumalanga three
No rhinos were poached in the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Western Cape and Gauteng.
“The absence of poaching in four provinces shows that our targeted interventions are yielding results and we must build on this progress,” George said.
He said interventions by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment include:
- Enhanced ranger patrols
- Engagement with communities surrounding parks
- Collaborations with national and international law enforcement agencies
- Technology such as drones and thermal radars
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has invited entities and individuals who wish to contribute to anti-poaching efforts to donate equipment such as binoculars, radars or other anti-poaching gear.
