Rhino horn more expensive than gold

2011-02-02 22:34

Durban - Senior managers of the Kruger National Park and Hluhluwe Park on Tuesday discussed strategies to curb rhino poaching, Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife said.

It was recently reported that the price of rhino horn had increased to R400 000 a kilogram, making it more expensive than gold at R300 000 a kilogram.

"Staff from the Kruger Park flew into the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park [to] exchange information on rhino security and anti-poaching strategies," said Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife spokesperson Jeff Gaisford.

A series of meetings were also attended by SA National Parks senior general manager of investigations and intelligence Ken Maggs and Ezemvelo CEO Dr Bandile Mkhize.

The discussions included the national rhino conservation strategy, said Gaisford.

He said the sharing of information about rhino security enabled participating agencies to benefit from the unique experiences of other organisations.

A total of 333 rhinos were killed and dehorned countrywide in 2010 and 162 people linked to poaching were arrested.

The highest incidence of poaching was in the Kruger National Park where 146 rhinos were killed. The North West followed with 57 rhino deaths, and Limpopo closely behind with 52. KwaZulu-Natal was at the bottom of the list with only 38 reported rhino killings last year.

- SAPA