BY: wwf South Africa
WWF commends the collective action against rhino poaching, as well as the public response to its Rhino Month initiative.
Eleven suspects were charged, including two wildlife veterinarians and a game ranger, all apparently part of a rhino poaching syndicate operating in the country’s Limpopo province. The arrests resulted from a joint operation between the South Africa Police Service, the Hawks special criminal investigations unit, South African National Parks and the Civil Aviation Authority.
“We are delighted at the public’s enthusiastic response to Rhino Day, as well as the breakthrough in investigations into poaching. We see it as an indication that the government is having success at identifying and apprehending those up the rhino horn trafficking chain,” says Dr Morné du Plessis, CEO of WWF in South Africa.
“The fact that there are so many agencies involved in this investigation bears out WWF’s call for collective action and urgency in tackling scourge of poaching. We also find it fitting that the suspects appeared in court on Rhino Day and during Heritage Month.
“The size of the bail – a million rands – indicates that rhino poaching is being taken seriously. We hope that the law will now take its course. While we’d like to see a speedy resolution of the issue and would like to see stiff sentences handed down as a deterrent to other poachers, we’re also conscious that the prosecutors and the defence must be allowed time to build their cases.
“We’re also encouraged by the tough stance taken by the veterinary association on members who’re found to be involved in poaching. Together we can stop the criminal elements that are plundering our national heritage and a global asset,” adds Dr Du Plessis.
WWF declared 22 September 2010 as Rhino Day and called on the public to and make a noise at 1pm in support of Africa’s rhinos. People can still show their support by clicking here and offer donations for rhino conservation, learn more about issues pertaining to saving rhinos and also share this information with others.
Donations will be used for anti-poaching equipment for guards including binoculars, radios, night-vision gear, and body armour, rhino-tracking and camping equipment. Donations also will provide training for anti-poaching units and be used for emergency veterinary treatments for injured rhino.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Click here and donate. If you have information about rhino poaching, call 082 404 2128. Encourage your friend to pressure their governments in Asia to take stricter action against the illegal rhino horn trade and spread the word about how buying rhino horn is illegal and poaching for rhino horn is hurting a precious African resource and icon.
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