SANParks announced a renewed effort to minimise the impact of poaching on the existing rhino population of the Greater Kruger Protected Area.
One aspect is to give greater protection to rhino cows. One strategy is to dehorn selected rhino cows in specific areas in the southern part of the region.
Another is to lobby for stricter sentences for those who poach rhino cows for their horns and leave their calf orphaned.
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SANParks says that rhino cows are particularly important to protect if the species is to survive poaching. Beside the immediate disruptive effect of poaching a rhino cow, it also means her dependent calf dies and the loss of her future calves.
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In addition, SANParks and its partners are briefing the National Prosecuting Authority on the state of rhino populations and poaching now.
They hope that the NPA can potentially hand down stricter sentences to those found trespassing in protected areas with ammunition and high-caliber rifles with intention to commit a crime.
SANParks says that the above will be combined with existing efforts to increase security, sharing information on previous poaching incidents and collaborating with law enforcement officials.
Feature Image: Unsplash.
