SANParks Will Begin Dehorning Rhinos In Kruger National Park To Combat The Poaching Epidemic

Photo from Kruger National Parks, Twitter

South African National Parks (SANParks) and conservation partners in the Greater Kruger Region are collaboratively implementing a range of interventions as part of an integrated wildlife management approach to counter the effects of rhino poaching.

In a sad reflection of how dire the situation is, Kruger National Park (KNP) will begin the selective dehorning of rhino cows in certain areas of the park in an effort to minimize the impact of rhino poaching on the populations’ numbers.

According to a statement on SanParks website, this management tool goes hand-in-hand with strengthening security measures, information sharing on incursions and intelligence, as well as, continuous collaboration with law enforcement agencies.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), is being briefed extensively on the current situation in order to deliver stiff sentences to those found in possession of ammunition, high caliber rifles and trespassing in a protected area with the intention to commit a crime.

It has been established that the loss of a cow has multiple effects since it also includes the loss of a dependent calf and future calves. The multiple effects are part of various factors that affect population growth of white rhinos apart from the immediate disruptive effect of poaching.

As per SANParks, the rhino cows are extremely important for the overall population performance and need to be protected by introducing stiffer sentences in incidents where they have been poached for their horn and a calf is left destitute.

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