Rhino Files: Increase in poaching and poachers arrested

Rhino Files: Increase in poaching and poachers arrested

The Kruger parks remain the hardest hit poaching areas, SA and Vietnam conclude discussions and Chinese men arrested for rhino horns

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2014 Rhino Count

236 + so far this year 


Kruger parks remains the worst affected with a total of 144 rhino having been poached in the Kruger National Park, 32 in North West, 21 in Limpopo and 16 in KwaZulu-Natal.


54 alleged poachers have been arrested since January this year.

 

SA and Vietnam conclude discussions on biodiversity conservation & management

South Africa and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam concluded fruitful discussions in Pretoria on 28 March 2014 on issues related to biodiversity conservation and management.


The commitment to improving cooperation on biodiversity conservation especially controlling the illicit trade and poaching of wildlife, including rhino, has formed an important part of the working visit to South Africa by a high level delegation from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.


The 20-member delegation to South Africa was headed by the Vice Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Associate Prof Dr Bùi Cách Tuyến. The visit to South Africa follows after the signing on 6 May 2013 of an Implementation Plan in terms of the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of Biodiversity Conservation and Protection that was signed in Hanoi, Vietnam, in December 2012.


The action plan was developed, and is being implemented, in accordance with the nature of the MoU. It is aimed at promoting cooperation between the Parties in the field of biodiversity management, conservation and protection, law enforcement, compliance with CITES, technology transfer, and other relevant legislation and international Conventions on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.


During the discussions, actions directed at specific areas of intervention were vigorously deliberated and agreed upon in order to address among other things, Curbing poaching and the illegal wildlife trade. (Via)


 

Chinese arrested for rhino horns

Three Chinese men were found in possession of suitcases filled with rhino horns at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Namibia last week, about to leave the country. A total of 14 rhino horns as well as a leopard skin were found in their suitcases. The three Chinese men, charged with possession of specially protected resources, wrapped the rhino horns in plastic and foil and loosely tucked them between clothes in the suitcases. The three were about to board a flight to Hong Kong when their bags were scanned and the horns were found. According to the spokesperson of the Namibian police, Deputy Commissioner Edwin Kanguatjivi, the three men were arrested at about 07:40 in the morning.


According to their passports they had left China on March 9 and arrived in Zambia the following day. They then entered Namibia through the Wenela border post between Namibia and Zambia on tourist visas on March 12. (Via)

 

Sanparks appoints new interim CEO

The South African National Parks (SANParks) Board has appointed Mr. Abe Sibiya, the Managing Executive of Kruger National Park (KNP), as the acting Chief Executive Officer from 1 April 2014 as the current Chief Executive Officer’s term of office ends on 31 March 2014. He will have the support and assistance of the Board on all strategic matters as well as help from the Department of Environmental Affairs in terms of rhino management.


Mr. Sibiya has had extensive leadership experience both during his tenure as Managing Executive of KNP as well as in his previous job where he held a senior position in the Mpumalanga Parks and Tourism Board.


SANParks has also thanked Dr David Mabunda, the outgoing CEO for his 15 years service.  The recruitment process for the appointment of the permanent SANParks CEO will commence shortly.

 

With SANParks parks managing South Africa’s major reserves, such as the Kruger National Park, this person plays an integral role in the protection of the country’s rhinos. (Via)


 

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