Poaching Rhinos in Africa Leads to Crisis

Posted by Philip Alexander Sterling on March 29, 2011 in Africa,

Environmental activists and conservationists are concerned about the “worst poaching crisis for decades” leading to a sharp decrease in the Africa rhino population. Over the past three years, gangs are said to have killed more than 800 rhinos for their horns.

Experts are worried that the rise in poaching could weaken recent efforts to stabilize black and white rhino populations throughout the continent. They are calling for more teamwork and co-operation between law enforcement agencies and conservationists.

“Although good biological management and anti-poaching efforts have led to modest population gains for both species of African rhino, we are still very concerned,” said Richard Emslie, a scientific officer for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Dr Emslie, a member of the IUCN’s Species Survival Commission’s (SSC) African Rhino Specialist Group (AfRSG), said the main threat was from the “increasing involvement of organized criminal poaching networks”.

“Unless the rapid escalation in poaching in recent years can be halted, continental rhino numbers could once again start to decline,” he warned.

The black rhino has been on the Critically Endangered list but recently saw a small population increase. It currently has a population of 4,840 which is up from 4,240 in 2007. The rhino lives across southern African nations. The white rhino has also seen a population increase to 20,000, up from 17,500 in 2007. Despite the higher population, the white rhino is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN. This is a direct result of the high level of poaching, especially in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya.

It is estimated that 333 rhinos were killed in South Africa alone last year, with a further 70 being killed this year already. Conservationists believe that most of the illegally harvested rhino horns are destined for the traditional medicine markets of South-East Asia, and the growing demand and high prices are fuelling the sharp rise in poaching.

Some initiatives, such as the establishment of a National Wildlife Crime Reduction Unit in South Africa, are bearing fruit in the shape of more arrests. But IUCN SSC chairman Simon Stuart said it was important for wildlife agencies to work closely with private and community [land owners]. “In South Africa, a large number of rhinos live on private land,” Dr Stuart observed.” Rhino management, including control of rhino horn stockpiles and security, needs to be improved and coordinated among rhino holders.”