Growing numbers of Rhinos poached for horns in South Africa

Sep 28, 2015 According to official statistics, 1,215 rhinos were killed for their horns in 2014 and another 750 killed as of September 2015. This alarming rate of poaching is starting to raise worry over the survival of this specie in South Africa.

South Africa, home of over 70 percent of African rhinos, has experienced a sharp increase in poaching activities. In some of the most heavily poached regions, extreme methods like poisoning are being used to trap and cut off the rhinoceros’ horns.

The South African government, in the past two years, has increased the protection of rhinos by deploying armed guards and hounds around their living areas. However, these actions appeared to have little effect based on official statistics.

Gallies, head the Wildlife Environment Society of South Africa, said rhinos poaching is longer an animal protection issue, but has become a global disease.

“This is no longer an environmental issue. We’re dealing with people’s lives here, this is a social issue, and it’s a global issue as well. South Africa currently has the resources, and those countries where the products are going to have equal responsibility to stopping this situation. A massive task on the hands in terms of in-lining the states and departments that can play role in this, your police forces, and your science and defense force, your army and your judicial system etc. It takes time, and from our side, it’s a concern because the rhinoceros don’t necessary have that time. We need to act faster,” said Gallis.