Infographic: Rhino Poaching Update – 2015

158 rhinos were poached in January and February 2015 according to the Department of Environmental Affairs. The Department briefed the Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs recently, telling MPs that 108 of the 158 poached rhinos were from the Kruger National Park. Rhino poaching has increased drastically in the last ten years – 36 cases were reported in 2006 and in 2014 there were 1215 cases. Illegal wildlife trafficking is the fifth most profitable illicit trade in the world, estimated at up to $10 billion annually. Other species of national concern include reptiles, birds, predators and cycads (seed plants typically characterized by a stout and woody trunk with a crown of large, hard and stiff, evergreen leaves).

The MPs questioned the Green Scorpions ability to address this matter given their capacity constraints. Another concern was the general ability to enforce and prosecute issues of wildlife crime.

To read this report, click here.

rhino

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