update (14 Sept 2017): According to MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Sihle Zikalala, the number of rhinos poached in KwaZulu-Natal now stands at 172 animals (Jan - Sept 2017).
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlfe* spokesman Musa Mntambo confirmed on 28 August 2017 that poaching gangs have slaughtered (at least) 166 rhinos in KwaZulu-Natal in the first eight months of 2017. Although Ezemvelo KZN Wildlfe does no longer provide a breakdown per protected area, conservation sources assume that the vast majority of rhino killings are taking place in KwaZulu-Natal's flagship Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. KwaZulu-Natal lost 162 rhinos to illegal poaching in 2016‚ 116 animals during 2015 and just 18 in 2008.
*Ezemvelo KZN Wildlfe is the governmental organisation responsible for maintaining wildlife conservation areas and biodiversity in KwaZulu-Natal.
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