South Africa: 146 rhinos killed by poachers so far in 2013

According to the latest statistics released by the Department of Environmental Affairs, South Africa has already lost 146 rhinos to illegal poaching since the beginning of 2013. Of the rhino poached, 107 rhino were killed in the Kruger National Park, 12 in North West, 12 in KwaZulu-Natal, 8 in Limpopo and 7 in Mpumalanga. Of the 50 people arrested, 47 are alleged poachers and three have been charged with the illegal trade in rhino horn. In the past week two alleged poachers were arrested in the Kruger National Park, and two in Limpopo.

Latest rhino poaching figures (as of 06 March 2013):  

• Kruger National Park (SANParks) - 107 rhinos poached
• Mapungubwe National Park (SANParks) - 0 rhino poached
• Gauteng - 0 rhino poached
• Limpopo - 8 rhinos poached
• Mpumalanga - 7 rhino poached
• North-West Province - 12 rhinos poached
• Eastern Cape - 0 rhino poached
• Free State - 0 rhino poached
• KwaZulu Natal - 12 rhinos poached
• Western Cape - 0 rhino poached
• Northern Cape - 0 rhino poached

The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) is urging members of the public to report incidents of rhino poaching or any tip-offs to the anonymous tip-off lines 0800 205 005, 08600 10111 or Crime-Line on 32211.