South Africa has begun increasing its funding for combating illegal rhino poaching which has been steadily increasing in the country and continent of Africa. South Africa announced that they will be implementing new measures in order to ensure less rhinos die in the future at the hands of poachers.
The measures will include an additional $250,000 in funding to combat poaching. South Africa also plans to require ID microchips for all rhinos and rhino horns. Ranger patrols are expected to increase, as will military guarding of park borders. One park specifically, the Kruger National Park, will see heightened enforcement since the border is seen as currently lax in protection.
The National Parks head in South Africa, David Mabunda, stated: “Poachers must beware. This is a war we plan on winning.” Rhinos naturally have no predators, except for man. Poaching is causing already low numbers of rhinos to dwindle even more. All rhino species are listed as either endangered or vulnerable under endangered species listings around the world.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature has indicated that poaching of rhinos is close to a 15-year high. Rhino horns are very valuable in illegal trading around the world, but especially in Asia. Rhino horns are often used in medicines and are considered aphrodisiacs.
South Africa has become alarmed by the growing number of rhinos poached in their country over the years. In 2007, 10 rhinos were poached. One year later, in 2008, 76 rhinos were killed. Thus far in 2009, 27 rhinos have been killed including one extremely rare black rhino.
