Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Puyeipawa Nakashole
Published on 2024-04-01 13:53:45
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism in Namibia has reported a total of 28 rhinos poached since the beginning of the year. This information was shared in a media statement by ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda earlier this week.
Of the 28 rhinos poached, 19 were specifically targeted in the Etosha National Park. Ten of these cases were discovered during dehorning operations conducted throughout the month of March. The poaching incidents in Etosha are particularly alarming as this park is considered a flagship for rhino conservation and is home to a high concentration of rhinos and other valuable species, making it a key tourist attraction.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, an assessment is currently underway in Etosha to determine the full extent of the poaching problem. The ministry has also organized an urgent high-level meeting with security clusters to address and analyze the matter further.
In addition to the incidents in Etosha, there have been reports of four white rhinos poached on a private farm in the Otjozodjupa region, bringing the total number of rhinos poached on private farms in Namibia to five for the year. Furthermore, three rhinos were poached in rhino custodianship farms, and one case was reported in the Kunene region. The combined total of rhinos poached in the country now stands at 28, with 19 being black rhinos and nine being white rhinos.
Despite the concerning number of rhino poaching incidents, Namibia has not recorded any cases of elephants being poached so far in 2024, which is a positive development.
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism is actively working to address the ongoing issue of poaching and protect the country’s wildlife. The government’s efforts, along with cooperation from security clusters and other stakeholders, aim to combat poaching activities and safeguard endangered species in Namibia.
For those looking to stay informed on these critical conservation efforts and other important news in Namibia, The Namibian offers a subscription service providing in-depth reporting and opinions for N$85 a month. Investing in journalism is investing in democracy, so don’t miss out on staying up-to-date with credible journalism by subscribing to The Namibian now.
Read the original article on The Namibian
