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28 May 2012

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