South Africa: 408 rhinos killed by poachers so far in 2013

According to the latest statistics released by the Department of Environmental Affairs, South Africa has lost 408 rhinos to illegal poaching since the beginning of 2013. Of the rhinos poached, 265 rhinos were killed in the Kruger National Park, 46 in North West, 38 in KwaZulu-Natal, 30 in Limpopo, 26 in Mpumalanga, 2 in the Eastern Cape and 1 in Gauteng.
The number of people arrested on rhino poaching-related charges countrywide totals 121.  A total of 27 alleged poachers have been arrested in KwaZulu-Natal, 21 in Limpopo, 8 in North West, 6 in Mpumalanga and 3 in Gauteng. Of these five are alleged couriers.

Latest rhino poaching figures (as of 12 June 2013):  

• Kruger National Park (SANParks) - 265 rhinos poached
• Mapungubwe National Park (SANParks) - 0 rhino poached
• Gauteng - 1 rhino poached
• Limpopo - 30 rhinos poached
• Mpumalanga - 26 rhino poached
• North-West Province - 46 rhinos poached
• Eastern Cape - 2 rhino poached
• Free State - 0 rhino poached
• KwaZulu Natal - 38 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.