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Media Release: Update on rhino poaching statistics
According to the latest statistics, the Kruger National Park has lost 137 rhinos- which account for more than half of the total rhino killings that have taken place this year. Limpopo province has suffered 31 rhino killings and the North West and KwaZulu-Natal each have lost 23 rhinos.
Of the 148 arrests made, 131 were at the level of poacher, 10 were receivers/couriers, six couriers/buyers and one was an exporter.
Total number of rhinos killed this year:
| SA | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 |
|---|---|---|---|
| KNP (SANParks) | 146 | 252 | 137 |
| MNP (SANParks) | 0 | 6 | 3 |
| GP | 15 | 9 | 0 |
| LIM | 52 | 74 | 31 |
| MP | 17 | 31 | 6 |
| NW | 57 | 21 | 23 |
| EC | 4 | 11 | 3 |
| FS | 3 | 4 | 0 |
| KZN | 38 | 34 | 23 |
| WC | 0 | 6 | 1 |
| NC | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 333 | 448 | 227 |
Number of arrests:
| SA | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 |
|---|---|---|---|
| KNP (SANParks) | 38 | 82 | 67 |
| MNP (SANParks) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Gauteng (GP) | 14 | 16 | 10 |
| Limpopo (LIM) | 19 | 34 | 36 |
| Mpumalanga (MP) | 44 | 73 | 16 |
| North West (NW) | 16 | 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 | 148 | 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
For media queries, contact Albi Modise on 083 490 2871
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ON 28 MAY 2012