South Africa: 588 rhinos killed by poachers so far in 2012

According to the latest statistics released by South African National Parks (SANParks), South Africa has lost 588 rhinos to illegal poaching since the beginning of 2012. Kruger National Park remains the hardest hit by poachers, having lost 362 rhinos since the beginning of this year. North West province has lost 75 rhinos to illegal poaching; KwaZulu-Natal has lost 59 rhinos and Limpopo 52 rhinos. Of the 246 arrested individuals in connection with rhino poaching, 217 are at the level of poacher, 18 are couriers and 11 are receivers.

Latest rhino poaching figures (as of 27 November 2012): 

• Kruger National Park (SANParks) - 362 rhinos poached
• Mapungubwe National Park (SANParks) - 3 rhinos poached
• Gauteng - 1 rhino poached
• Limpopo - 52 rhinos poached
• Mpumalanga - 27 rhinos poached
• North-West Province - 75 rhinos poached
• Eastern Cape - 7 rhinos poached
• Free State - 0 rhinos poached
• KwaZulu Natal - 59 rhinos poached
• Western Cape - 2 rhinos poached
• Northern Cap - 0 rhinos poached

The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) 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.