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Not content with almost eradicating the Kruger National Park’s rhinos, poachers have now turned their attention to elephants.
Chief ranger Nicholas Funda said they have noticed a rise in elephant poaching since late last year – with the numbers set to increase this year.
“Last year we lost about 22 elephants, but to date [June], we have already lost close to 20 elephants. We think the number may double,” said Funda.
He said they are ready to fight for the more than 17 000 gentle giants in the park.
“We work with the police and the army ... We can respond from Skukuza with a helicopter – which is faster,” he added.
Some poachers shot the animals, but others used poison. Regional ranger Albert Machaba said poison was also used to kill other animals.
“They kill an impala and put poison in its carcass for the other animals to feed on. In February, 110 vultures died because of this.”
He explained that poachers collected the vultures’ hearts and heads to use in muti.
As yesterday was marked as World Environmental Day, countries around the globe put poaching under the spotlight.
Funda said they need support from business and society. He urged communities to report poachers.
“These people are coming from communities. If they can report what is happening, we will be able to win this [fight].”
South African National Parks continues to collaborate with Mozambique and Zimbabwe in the fight against poaching.
In the 2014-2015 financial year about R500 million was allocated to fight poaching – most of it from international donors.
“Our effort is showing that we can control poaching with good equipment and men in boots,” Funda concluded.
