Some 558 rhino have been killed in South Africa already this year, setting the country on course for a gruesome new record number of poaching deaths, wildlife officials said on Thursday. Despite stepped-up efforts to curb the scourge, the number of animals killed is around 100 higher than at the same point in 2013, a year which saw a record 1,004 deaths. The vast, … [Read more...]
Hours to save the elephants
Poachers recently shot one of the world’s largest elephants, Satao, then hacked his 100 pound tusks out of his face with a machete. At the current rate of killing, elephants may be extinct in 15 years. This week, if we act now, we have an amazing chance to crack down on the illegal trade that fuels the slaughter. Each day, 50 regal elephants are butchered just to make dinky … [Read more...]
Powerful pair launch anti wildlife-poaching campaign
Prince William and soccer legend David Beckham teamed up to launch a campaign that aims to protect animals from illegal poaching. According to WWF, the duo just teamed up to “harness the power of sport and social media to raise awareness of wildlife crime.” Illegal wildlife trafficking is an incredibly lucrative business and it is a major driver in the looming extinction of … [Read more...]
Birthplace of rhino reservation under threat
The world’s greatest rhino sanctuary is under threat. Plans are underway to build an open-cast coal mine just 40 metres from of the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi park. Rangers fear it will destroy the wilderness and clear the way for poachers, who have butchered nearly 400 rhinos in South Africa this year alone, but we can stop it if we act now. Conservationists, scientists and local … [Read more...]
Armed guards on patrol 24/7 at rhino sanctuary
The illegal wildlife trade has reached “devastating” levels with armed guards now forced to keep round-the-clock patrols to protect endangered species. The far east is no longer the sole focus of the fight against illegal ivory, with experts warning that the UK is increasingly becoming a “major hub” for the contraband. Simon Burns MP believes an "unprecedented spike in … [Read more...]
SA snubs conference on illegal wildlife trade
South Africa was notably absent at a conference on illegal wildlife trade held in the UK last week. Last year, more than 1 000 rhino were poached in SA and at least 86 rhino have been lost to poaching this year, according to the latest departmental figures, released at the end of January. The London Conference on the Illegal Wildlife Trade 2014 was hosted by the UK … [Read more...]
Tackling the demand for rhino horn
Rhinos are currently experiencing the worst poaching crisis on record, due to an explosion in the demand for rhino horn from east-Asian countries. South Africa has experienced a 7,500% increase in rhino poaching since 2007, with 1,004 rhinos poached in the country during 2013 alone. From February 11-13, world leaders, government officials, conservation experts and wildlife … [Read more...]
Moving rhinos to Botswana to combat poaching
African safari operators and conservation groups said Wednesday they plan to move up to 100 South African rhinos to neighbouring Botswana for safekeeping, as poaching levels spike to new highs. "One hundred rhinos will be captured and safely transported from South Africa... and released in Botswana's remote wilderness," two conservation groups called &Beyond and Great … [Read more...]
Minister Molewa welcomes grant to combat rhino poaching
South Africa’s Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Minister Edna Molewa has lauded the R232.2 million grant made to the Peace Parks Foundation by the Dutch and Swedish Postcode Lotteries. The Dutch Postcode Lottery donated R217 million of the total donation, with R15.2 million being contributed by the Swedish Postcode Lottery, towards the fight against rhino … [Read more...]
How was 2013 for Asian Rhinos?
2013 was a tough year for rhinos all over the world. With the escalating poaching crisis, all five rhino species are at extreme risk. Along with poaching, habitat degradation and human encroachment remain big threats for the three Asian species: the Javan rhino, Sumatran rhino and the Greater one-horned rhino. In April 2013, the Sumatran Rhino Crisis Summit opened with the … [Read more...]
Raising millions with reusable bags
Woolworths customers have helped raise close to R5 million to date by purchasing the cause related reusable bags sold in Woolworths stores. This includes over R2.2 million for rhinos, R2.1 million for other endangered species, almost R400 000 for marine life, and R200 000 for breast cancer awareness. Woolworths launched their first cause related bag in September 2010 - the … [Read more...]
Poachers kill rhino in brazen attack
Poachers slaughtered a rhino in one of Kenya's best guarded wildlife parks, officials said on Tuesday, in a brazen attack highlighting the risks gunmen are taking during a surge of killings. "Poachers infiltrated Lewa's borders during the full moon on 17 November and killed Meluaya", a 17-year-old black rhino suspected to have been heavily pregnant and with a two-year-old … [Read more...]
Mozambique’s Chissano starts campaign to end poaching
Poor Mozambicans must make an income from conservation so they don’t join the army of hunters who’ve helped take rhino poaching in neighboring South Africa to a sixth successive record, former President Joaquim Chissano said. Chissano, 74, is setting up a foundation to work with the government to establish a special anti-poaching force and to help develop commercial projects … [Read more...]
