Drop in rhino poaching cases in South Africa, threats still remain: WWF

Good news! South Africa's Department of Environmental Affairs has announced official figures showing that the number of rhinos killed in South Africa has dropped from 1,028 in 2017 to 769 in 2018.

At the beginning of the 20th century, 500,000 rhinos roamed Africa and Asia. But today very few rhinos survive outside national parks and reserves due to persistent poaching and habitat loss over many decades.

Two species of rhino in Asia-Javan and Sumatran-are critically endangered. Thus, strict measures are being taken in South Africa to protect the species.

Poaching losses in the rhino stronghold of Kruger National Park declined from 504 in 2017 to 421 in 2018, in parallel with ongoing efforts to bring the situation under control.

During the course of the year, a total of 229 alleged poachers were arrested inside and adjacent to Kruger National Park, 40 more than in 2017.

However, Kruger has also seen a rise in elephant poaching to 71 killings in 2018.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) notes that the crisis for rhinos is far from over and it is important to consider the number of live rhinos remaining as well as the number of poaching losses. Also, reports from other rhino range states that levels of poaching pressure remain high across the region.

However, threats still remain!

While 2018 saw some major arrests and successful convictions, the frequent granting of bail, especially to those in the crime syndicates coordinating rhino horn trafficking, is a serious concern. We need targeted efforts to address corruption and more effective international collaboration on investigations into syndicates operating in Asia to address the entire criminal supply chain.

Dr. Jo Shaw, African Rhino Lead for WWF International:

"The fact that fewer rhinos have been lost in South Africa in 2018 is good news and merits credit for the hard work and commitment of all those involved. However, the overall status of our rhino populations remains a concern and we need continued commitment to address the systemic challenges for rhinos across the region."

Dr. Margaret Kinnaird, WWF Wildlife Practice Leader:

"Corruption remains a major part of the challenge in addressing rhino poaching and trafficking of wildlife products. To address this, we need to consider what draws people into wildlife crime. We must find a way to empower people working and living around protected areas to be invested in a future with wildlife, including helping identify those who break the law."

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