The number of endangered rhinos poached in Namibia reached an all-time high last year after 87 animals were killed compared to 45 in 2021, official government data showed on Monday.
Africa’s rhino population has been decimated over the decades to feed demand for rhino horn, which, despite being made of the same stuff as rhino hair and fingernails, is prized in East Asia as a supposed medicine and as jewellery.
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said poachers killed 61 black and 26 white rhinos mainly in Namibia’s largest park, Etosha, where 46 rhinos were found dead.
“We note with serious concern that our flagship park, Etosha National Park, is a poaching hotspot,” Muyunda said, adding that the ministry and law enforcement officials have stepped up efforts against wildlife crime in Etosha National Park to curb poaching.
Rhino poaching has plagued Southern Africa for decades, especially in neighbouring South Africa and Botswana, leading to anti-poaching programmes, including strict policing and de-horning, or removing horns from the rhinos as a way of discouraging poaching.
Elephant poaching in Namibia has, however, declined over the years, from a high of 101 in 2015 to a low of four elephants poached last year.
Source: Reuters
In other news – Kings of Joburg is the Most Watched Show in South Africa on Netflix
The newly released season of the ‘Kings of Joburg‘ has taken the top spot on Netflix The popular series was released a few days ago, on January 27, 2023 and is now the most-watched show on the streaming app Executive producer Connie Ferguson took to social media to celebrate the series and paid tribute to her late husband.
Kings of Joburg has attracted many views on Netflix, making it the current most-watched show in South Africa. Learn more
