A total of 259 rhinos have been poached for their horns in South Africa in the first six months of 2022 alone, with the province of KwaZulu-Natal the hardest hit.
Rhino mother and calf in Kruger National Park.
The number of rhinos poached between Janurary and June in 2022 is 10 more than the 249 poached in the first six months of 2021.
At least 82 rhino were poached in the Kruger National Park during this period, whereas KZN has lost 133 – more than triple the 33 rhino killed during the same period in 2021. In April of this year, authorities were already warning that 2022 could be the worst year on record for KZN’s rhinos.
‘The demand for rhino horn remains a constant threat to our rhino populations as crime syndicates continue to operate within our borders,’ said the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy.
‘Between January and June, 69 people were arrested in connection with rhino poaching and rhino horn trafficking. Of these, 13 alleged poachers were arrested in the Kruger National Park.’
In another effort through the integrated enforcement teams at OR Tambo, four alleged rhino horn trafickers were arrested between January and June this year for attempting to smuggle 56 pieces of rhino horn.
Rangers have been on the frontline in the fight against poaching, with Head Ranger at Timbavati Private Game Reserve Anton Mzimba shot dead in July.
‘Our rangers need all the support we can provide them. These are men and women who, despite numerous challenges, remain committed to the task at hand despite not knowing what a day will bring,’ the Minister concluded.
Picture: Getaway Gallery
ALSO READ: Free entry! SA National Parks week dates announced
