WATCH: iSimangaliso takes ‘bold steps’ to safeguard rhino
Park authorities have made tough decisions to ensure the safety of rhino, after an unprecedented onslaught of poaching
THE recent implementation of a rhino dehorning programme at the iSimangaliso Wetland Park has been a pro-active step to deter poachers from targeting rhino in the World Heritage Site.
Spearheaded by the park’s authority and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW), the new programme was launched throughout the Western Shores section of the Park.
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park, like other conservation areas in northern KZN and Kruger National Park, has experienced an unprecedented surge in rhino poaching effort during the last year.
The iSimangaliso Authority, together with the conservation partners EKZNW, is putting into place an additional suite of bold strategies and interventions to bolster rhino security in sections of the Park where they are most under threat and vulnerable to rhino poachers.
Dehorned
Under special TOPS (Threatened or Protected Species) permits from the Department of Environmental Affairs, the de-horning of black and white rhino in the Western Shores section of iSimangaliso has been completed this week.
The operation to de-horn the animals was conducted by EKZNW vet Dr Dave Cooper in collaboration with Dr Mike Kock and his team from the University of Pretoria – Faculty of Veterinary Science (Onderstepoort). The horn material has been removed thereby rendering the rhino ‘valueless’ to poachers.
The procedure takes approximately 20 minutes and is completely painless. Provided the entire population is targeted there should be no social side effects.
Dehorning is believed to have contributed significantly to reducing losses to poaching in many parts of Africa. It was for this reason, in light of the increased threat to rhino in KZN that iSimangaliso has actioned this initiative.
Educational information is also being made available to visitors and local tour and accommodation operators, as well as ongoing workshops with neighbouring communities. iSimangaliso and EKZNW will continue to consider all developing strategies that work towards the stopping of this onslaught against defenceless animals and South Africa’s natural heritage.
Watch this short video below on how rhinos are dehorned:
DID YOU KNOW?
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
BBM – 25A0BF5A or 2B7993C8
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
