More incursions in KNP, less rhinos poached

PRETORIA – “When it comes to rhino poaching let us all say, ‘Not on our watch’,” said minister of the National Department of Environmental Affairs, Ms Edna Molewa on Sunday during a press briefing on the downward trend in the number of rhinos poached.

She was optimistic that this is the year in which the tide will turn with regard to rhino poaching.

“We are under no illusions of the challenges ahead, but we are confident that slowly but surely, progress is being made,” she said.
Molewa pointed out that she is worried about the emerging threat of elephant poaching. “Internally plans are being adapted to deal with this threat in the Kruger National Park (KNP).”

She repeated her previous statement that South Africa will not apply for the opening of a legal, international commercial trade in rhino horn at CITES COP17.

Referring to the successes she explained that since January 1, 2016 a total of 206 alleged poachers have been arrested.

Not all the news is good however. In comparison to the first four months of last year, when 808 incursions took place, the number of poaching activities stands at a 1 038 in the KNP.

This means an average of nine incursions per day, compared to seven per day in the same period last year.

Despite this harsh reality, the number of poached rhino in the KNP for the same period has decreased from 302 to 232.

In the first four months of 2016, 363 rhino were poached countrywide. During the same period last year, that national figure was 404.

Molewa attributed the change for the better in some of the statistics to various factors.

She commended the Hawks for their focus on dismantling complex organised-crime enterprises involved with wildlife trafficking. The Hawks currently have six projects under investigation, four cases on the court roll and 11 major rhino-related investigations under way.

Between April 2015 and March 2016 there were 49 finalised rhino prosecution cases involving 103 accused. A total of 80 of these accused were convicted.

Molewa also credited the implementation of technology such as drones, night-vision equipment, early warning and detection, as well as tracking as contributing factors.

She singled out the contribution by SANParks and SAPS for enhancing the K9 unit capabilities within the KNP.

“It is proving to be a formidable threat to the poachers,” she said.

Molewa believed the increase in detection capacity at the ports, after the training of 712 multi-disciplinary border officials, is a huge step forward.

It heartened her that through the Rhino Protection Programme, being implemented with the Peace Parks Foundation, crucial support can be given to the rescue, care and rehabilitation of rhino orphans. There are currently 20 orphans under the care of KNP.

Going forward, Molewa felt that various continuing projects might contribute to winning the poaching war.

Communities adjacent to a number of other parks including the KNP are being engaged with a view to supporting the growth of a transformed wildlife economy.

The second phase of a Vietnamese Youth Education Project, implemented in partnership with Peace Parks Foundation and Wilderness Foundation, is being launched in schools throughout Ho Chi Minh City during May.

The campaign aims to empower the youth as ambassadors for rhino protection.

Since the bilateral agreement was signed in April 2014 between South Africa and Mozambique, action plans have been implemented. The net effect of continued cooperation with state and private parties in Mozambique has resulted in an overall decrease in poaching from Mozambique.

Work with private concessions adjacent to the KNP has resulted in tangible measures to combat rhino poaching. From these concessions initiatives have emerged that have begun to shift the mindset of communities.

Molewa also referred to the fact that amendments to the Norms and Standards for the Marking of Rhinoceros and Rhinoceros Horn, and the Hunting of Rhinoceros for Trophy Hunting Purposes, are currently being finalised.