WWF: Rhinos still being attacked despite decline in poaching
Conservation group, the WWF in South Africa, says while it's pleased that there's been a decline in rhino poaching cases, organised networks remain a concern.
The government said on Monday that poaching incidents dropped slightly from 451 in 2021 to 448 last year.
It's noted though a shift in the threat to KwaZulu-Natal.
The targets were mainly provincial parks, specifically Hluhluwe iMfolozi.
Sixteen rhinos were attacked on privately owned reserves.
The WWF's Dr Jo Shaw says large conservation areas are still under attack.
"The particular concern is the report from the department of the ongoing rhino poaching inn KZN, where 244 animals were killed last year there seems to be a target on iMfolozi park,
"At the same time there was a 40% decrease reported in rhino poaching last year and I think that can provide some hope and important lessons on the kind of successful interventions we can make for rhino security in large conservation areas facing these organised crime challenges."
