28/02/2008 18:21 - (SA)

Gcina Ntsaluba

Skukuza - Interested buyers have been called to submit written offers before Friday to buy 50 white rhinos from the South African National Parks (SANParks).

The head of conservation services for SANParks, Dr Hector Magome, said the SANParks board had approved the sale of wildlife, specifically highly valued species, in 1997 so that money raised from the sales could be used for the Park Development Fund.

He said the fund already had enabled SANParks to buy 500 000ha of land, which was incorporated into national parks.

He emphasised that white rhinos were not an endangered species in South Africa.

From a founding population of 100 in the early 1900s, the population has grown to more than 5 000 in the Kruger National Park alone and more than 12 000 in the country, he said.

Written offers for the white rhinos can be forwarded to Johan Malan at johan@sanparks.co.za. Malan can also be reached on 013 735 4199.

Trophy hunting?

Spokesperson for Animal Rights Africa (ARA) Michele Pickover expressed concern that the rhinos would end up being bought by hunting outfits or zoos.

"On the one hand, SANParks says it goes totally against hunting in national parks, but on the other hand, they appear to be facilitating and encouraging trophy hunting and the killing of the animals that are in their custody," she said.

She said there was no scientific or ecological reason to remove 50 rhinos from the national parks and that the SANParks was motivated by financial gain.

Hunters pay as much as R600 000 to hunt one white rhino.

http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,,2-7-1442_2278939,00.html