MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FORESTRY AND TOURISM reveals that 63 rhinos were poached in the past year.
Romeo Muyunda, a ministry spokesperson, revealed this information on Saturday.
Muyunda reports that of the 63 poached Rhinos, 41 were black rhinos and 22 were white rhinos.
“This year’s poaching cases include 15 rhinos poached on custodianship farms, another 22 on private farms, and 26 in Etosha National Park,” he said.
He stated that Namibia had 44 rhinos poached by poachers in 2021, 42 in 2020 and 57 in 2019. Five rhinos were poached in 2017.
“Even though we continue to record successes in our fight against wildlife crimes, poaching of high-valued species remains a concern,” he said.
Muyunda explained that after the 2014 poaching spike, many interventions were put in place in the country by the ministry to fight wildlife crimes.
He stated that during the festive season, the ministry will intensify efforts to combat wildlife crime in the country with its partners in law enforcement and wildlife protection.
“In the past, we have observed that poachers take advantage of the festive season to undertake criminal activities such as poaching rhino, pangolins, elephants and other species,” Muyunda said.
He said fighting rhino poaching requires the involvement of all stakeholders – especially members of the public – in reporting suspected perpetrators.
“The perpetrators of these crimes are within society. Therefore, we should report suspicious activities to the authorities,” Muyunda said.
The spokesperson appealed to the public for unity against illegal plundering of natural resources and rejected wildlife crimes in the country.
FEWER ELEPHANTS POACHED
Four elephant poachers were poached in this year’s decline in poaching.
“In 2021, Namibia recorded 10 elephants poached, 12 in 2020, 13 in 2019, 27 in 2018, and 50 in 2017,” Muyunda said.
He stated that the ministry appreciated the work of anti-poaching units in the country, which include the police, the Namibian Defense Force and conservancies.
“We salute the work of the prosecutor general’s office, the Blue Rhino Task Force, non-governmental organisations, farmers, the private sector, development partners and members of the public for their cooperation and collaboration in this fight,” Muyunda said.
ARRESTS
This year, 106 suspects had been arrested. 44 were detained for poaching offenses, while 62 were detained for elephant poaching.
Muyunda stated that Namibians are the most prominent poaching suspects being arrested by the police.
“The highest number of 93 suspects are Namibian citizens, who, in our view, should be at the forefront of the fight against poaching,” he said.
According to him, eight Angolan nationals are suspected as well and five Zambians.
“We are happy to note that at least nine people were convicted. Seven were convicted for elephant poaching-related cases, while two are for rhino poaching,” he said.
ZERO TOLERANCE
The ministry has warned that anti poaching teams will not be able to relax during this festive season.
“More personnel and officers will be dedicated to conduct patrols and law enforcement. Those intending to take chances must be warned that this festive season it will be business as unusual,” Muyunda warned.
Source: namibian
