430 rhinos poached in SA

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Pretoria - South Africa has lost 430 rhinos to poaching since January this year, according to the Department of Environmental Affairs.

"The latest rhino poaching statistics indicate that a total of 430 rhinos have been lost to illegal killings since the beginning of this year, with the total number of arrests at 205," said the department on Tuesday.

The Kruger National Park has lost 258 rhinos to poaching. Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and the North West provinces continue to be the hardest hit by poachers, collectively accounting for the loss of 141 rhinos.

Of those arrested, 177 are at the level of poacher, 10 are receivers and 18 are couriers.

The department has urged members of the public to report incidents of rhino poaching or any tip-offs that could lead to arrests and prevention of illegal killings to 0800 205 005. - SAnews.gov.za