South Africa: 188 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 188 rhinos to illegal poaching since the beginning of 2013. Of the rhinos poached, 135 rhinos were killed in the Kruger National Park, 17 in North West, 16 in KwaZulu-Natal, 10 in Limpopo and 10 in Mpumalanga. A total of 63 poachers and individuals charged with the illegal trade in rhino horn have been arrested so far.

Latest rhino poaching figures (as of 27 March 2013):  

• Kruger National Park (SANParks) - 135 rhinos poached
• Mapungubwe National Park (SANParks) - 0 rhino poached
• Gauteng - 0 rhino poached
• Limpopo - 10 rhinos poached
• Mpumalanga - 10 rhino poached
• North-West Province - 17 rhinos poached
• Eastern Cape - 0 rhino poached
• Free State - 0 rhino poached
• KwaZulu Natal - 16 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.