The Namibian government is collaborating with the defence force and the police to double down on wildlife crime following the poaching of 11 black rhino in the past three weeks at Etosha National Park (ENP).
The carcasses – all dehorned – are estimated to have been poached since the beginning of June 2022, according to The Namibian. Overall, the country has suffered the loss of 22 rhinos this year. This is more or less half the total poached rhinos in 2020 and 2021 – 40 and 43 respectively.
No one has been arrested in connection to the wildlife crimes. Namibian Environment, Forestry and Tourism minister Pohamba Shifeta stressed that the country has been experiencing rampant wildlife crime over the last decade, driven by the global demand for illicit wildlife products, from elephants, rhinos, pangolins and other animals.
Shifeta further stated that the scope of impact went beyond just the loss of wildlife: ‘It equally destabilises our economy and the livelihoods of our rural communities who depend on wildlife.’
Namibian Prosecutor General Martha Imalwa contributed to the conversation, stating ‘As the criminal elements commit these crimes against our rich biodiversity and continue to change their methods and tactics of committing wildlife crimes, as stakeholders we must also do the same in our efforts to counter these threats.’
Although the poaching incidents have escalated, joint efforts to combat poaching are proving notable results.
Picture: Unsplash
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