Rhino poaching remains a concern in the KZN.
- In 2022, 448 rhinos were killed in South Africa, compared with 451 in 2021, according to the Department of environment, F.forestry and fishing.
- The Kruger National Park has recorded a 40% decrease in poaching incidents.
- KwaZulu-Natal is the only province to have seen an increase in rhino slaughter.
South Africa saw a slight decrease in rhino poaching incidents last year, with only KwaZulu-Natal seeing an increase in the number of rhinos killed compared to the previous year, Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Barbara said. Creecy.
“In 2022, 124 rhinos were killed in Kruger National Park. No rhinos were poached in any other national park. The number of rhinos poached in Kruger National Park represents a 40% decrease compared to those killed for their horns. in 2021”. said the minister.
In KwaZulu-Natal, however, 244 rhinos were killed for their horns, up from 102 in 2021. Most were killed in provincial parks. Sixteen were killed on privately owned reserves.
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park was targeted specifically, according to Creecy.
Park authorities have linked this to the size of the park and community relations that still need to improve.
“First, Hluhluwe iMfolozi is smaller than Kruger National Park. Second, there are 10 communities surrounding it. It’s easier for criminals to study the park and navigate through it. We also need to strengthen our relationship with local communities so you can easily identify the offenders,” said Musa Mntambo, a spokesperson for Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
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Mntambo told News24 that the entity relies on foot patrols, tips from members of the surrounding community and police stationed within the park to monitor criminal activity.
So far, he said, his main concern about dehorning is the impact it could have on tourism.
“Some tourists prefer to visit our parks to see rhinos with their horns intact,” he said.
At the same time, the department of forestry, fisheries and the environment said it was in favor of polling.
“It has been tested in the Kruger National Park. We understand this is a difficult decision, but Ezemvelo KZN must consider whether or not it can risk having its entire rhino population killed or dehorned in a bid to conserve wildlife,” said the department. said spokesman Albi Modise.
