South Africa rhino poaching 20% ahead of last year - The worst year in history

The minister is 'confident' that rhino poaching will soon be under control, despite a further 20% increase this year.

Minister ‘confident'
The Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Edna Molewa, has noted with concern the increase in rhino poaching and is confident that SANParks is on the verge of a turnaround given the initiatives presently being implemented against rhino poaching. Minister Molewa emphasised the fact that the rhino poaching is fought at various levels; in the field, public awareness, regional engagement and at a global level, hence there's continued investments at all these levels.

Vietnam
"The South African government welcomes the announcement by the Government of Vietnam that the prohibition on the export, import and trade of specimens of rhino will come into effect," said Minister Molewa. The prohibition follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of Biodiversity Conservation and Protection by Minister Molewa with the Minister of Agricultural and Rural Development of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Dr Cao Duc Phat. The MoU was signed in Hanoi, Vietnam on 10 December 2012.

Table shows the number of rhinos killed per day on eaverage in South Africa 

In terms of the decision by the Government of Vietnam, signed on 24 January 2013, products derived or made from white rhino, black rhino and the African elephant - all listed in terms of the Appendices of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) - may no longer be exported or traded. Live rhino and elephant and its products may, however, be imported for diplomatic purposes, scientific research, biodiversity conservation, zoo displays, exhibitions, non-profit circus performances, law enforcement or exchanged as specimens in terms of CITES management provisions.