SA, Mozambique step up fight against rhino poaching

© Johan Swanepoel – za.fotolia.com

As part of a draft Implementation Plan of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), fundraising projects to address the scourge of rhino poaching, have been discussed by both countries.

The implementation of the MoU in the field of Biodiversity Conservation and Management, which was signed last month, is expected to be finalised by the end of July 2014.

Other identified projects to assist with the implementation of the MoU include wildlife trafficking in general, community development issues and raise awareness about the plight of the rhino.

The meeting between the two neighbouring countries following the signing of the MoU, came as the number of rhino poached for their horn since the beginning of 2013 increased to 376.

A total of 106 people have been arrested for rhino poaching-related offences since January this year.

The Kruger National Park continues to bear the brunt of rhino poaching in South Africa, having lost 245 rhino so far.

The only province not affected by poaching this year has been the Northern Cape. A total of 39 rhino have been poached in Limpopo, 37 in KwaZulu-Natal and 26 in North West.

The governments of South Africa and Mozambique have agreed that the Ministers responsible for the implementation of the MoU will meet annually to discuss progress and identify areas for further cooperation and additional attention.

Among steps being taken by the two countries since June 2013 to address the menace of rhino poaching have included:

• Immediate maintenance and erection of fencing along the eastern boundary of Kruger National Park with Mozambique;
  
• Strengthening of the buffer zone in Mozambique through the establishment of the Greater Lubombo Conservancy;
  
• Creation of an intensive protection zone in the Limpopo National Park;
  
• Deploying a well-trained and armed anti-poaching unit for joint collaboration with the Kruger National Park team and the
  
• Synchronisation of operational plans between the Limpopo and Kruger National Parks.

South Africans are urged to report incidents of poaching and tip-offs to the anonymous tip-off lines 0800 205 005, 08600 10111 or Crime-Line on 32211.