The figures are out. For the sixth year in a row, there’s been a decrease in the number of rhinos poached in South Africa. This time, it’s by a staggering 33%, according to figures released by the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries.
The Minister of the DEFF believes this is partly due to the nationwide lockdown. Although the closure of parks and protected areas initially had an undoubtedly negative impact on conservation in South Africa, there were also positives.
Takeaways from the Decrease in Rhino Poaching
Thanks to a total closure of South Africa’s borders during the lockdown, poachers found themselves with nowhere to go at this time. Restrictions on air travel effectively blocked international syndicates from sneaking rhino horn to foreign markets too.
Although these physical restrictions helped the cause considerably, all credit is due to the rangers, anti-poaching teams, and border personnel who remained steadfastly at their posts despite extreme personal hardships.
Conservation in South Africa – The Numbers
During the course of the year, The Department reported multiple poaching-related arrests and prosecutions. In 2020, 66 poachers arrested in the Kruger National Park were brought to book and a further 90 were arrested outside its boundaries. Over 25 major investigations into poaching activity took place last year too.
An easing of restrictions toward the end of 2020 produced a corresponding spike in poaching. Although this is bad news, it does reveal that stricter movement control and border checks are a way forward for anti-poaching teams.
Last year, 294 rhinos were poached in South Africa, down from 594 in 2019. This is the sixth year in a row that the numbers are down. In total, the Kruger National Park recorded a decrease of 21.9% in poaching with 1 573 incidents recorded.
The Way Forward
Detractors argue that a decrease in the rhino population is the reason behind the figures. However, it’s unlikely that poachers base their activities on carefully considered percentages of the rhino population. They’ll take what they can get.
Anti-poaching tactics in South Africa align with the Integrated Strategic Management of Rhinoceros according to principles set out in the draft National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking.
The bottom line is that even a single rhino poached is one too many, especially in the light of declining numbers. With the borders opening up again, South Africa’s relying more than ever on tourism revenue to help fight this scourge while we’ve got a head start.
So, book your next vacation as soon as you can, as a percentage of the income from your southern African safari goes towards helping the cause. Southern Africa’s counting on you to help keep boots on the ground.
Get in touch now and do your bit to help conservation in South Africa. In return, you’ll get to enjoy unforgettable luxury experiences in one of the world’s most naturally beautiful destinations.
