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South Africa’s rhino population will rapidly decline in the next three years if it is not protected and poaching is not eradicated, according to a report released.At current poaching levels, rhino numbers would decline significantly by 2016, and possibly earlier in the Kruger National Park, said SA National Parks former CEO Mavuso Msimang, who headed the research.
At least 515 rhino had been killed in the country so far this year. A total of 668 rhino were killed in the country last year.
Msimang said although live birth rates exceeded death rates, more stringent measures should be implemented to protect them.
“Above all, we need first-rate intelligence. We need to be able to know what is happening.”
The report, titled Rhino Issue Management Process, recommended greater political will from authorities, a central funding mechanism to fight poaching, harsher sentences to deter criminals, and evaluating the rhino horn trade with other countries, especially in Asia, where the horn was in demand.
Commercial trade in rhino horn was also recommended to curb poaching.
South African Rhino image via Shutterstock.
Read more at Population Matters.
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