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Media & News
Media Release: Update on rhino poaching statistics
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Date: 17th July 2012
The number of rhinos poached in South Africa since the beginning of this year now stands at 281 with a total of 176 individuals arrested in connection with rhino poaching.
The Kruger National Park has lost a total of 164 rhinos to illegal killings. Limpopo, North West, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal provinces continue to be targeted by poachers, accounting for 110 of the total rhinos poached since the beginning of this year
Thus far, a total of 176 arrests have been made of which 153 are at the level of poachers; 10 receivers or couriers; six couriers or buyers and seven exporters.
Total number of rhinos killed this year:
| SA | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 |
|---|---|---|---|
| KNP (SANParks) | 146 | 252 | 164 |
| MNP (SANParks) | 0 | 6 | 3 |
| GP | 15 | 9 | 0 |
| LIM | 52 | 74 | 40 |
| MP | 17 | 31 | 14 |
| NW | 57 | 21 | 26 |
| EC | 4 | 11 | 3 |
| FS | 3 | 4 | 0 |
| KZN | 38 | 34 | 30 |
| WC | 0 | 6 | 1 |
| NC | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 333 | 448 | 281 |
Number of arrests:
| SA | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 |
|---|---|---|---|
| KNP (SANParks) | 42 | 82 | 67 |
| MNP (SANParks) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Gauteng (GP) | 20 | 16 | 10 |
| Limpopo (LIM) | 29 | 34 | 36 |
| Mpumalanga (MP) | 47 | 73 | 16 |
| North West (NW) | 21 | 21 | 2 |
| Eastern Cape (EC) | 0 | 2 | 7 |
| Free State (FS) | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| KZN | 10 | 4 | 25 |
| Western Cape (WC) | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Northern Cape (NC) | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 176 | 232 | 165 |
South Africans are urged to report incidents of rhino poaching or any tip-offs that could lead to arrests and prevention of illegal killings to 0800 205 005.
Issued by:
The Department of Environmental Affairs
Media queries:
Albi Modise on 083 490 2871














