Title:

Botswana struggles with rising cases of rhino poaching

Author(s):
Publication Year:
2021
Abstract:

Poaching intensified over the past three years following the 2018 decision by the government to disarm the anti-poaching unit under the DWNP. The 100+ rhinos poached since the disarmament represents a 100+ percent increase in poaching incidents when compared to the previous three years when Botswana lost one rhino per annum in the preceding 2015, 2016, and 2017 when the unit had firearms. There were at least 12 rhinos poached in 2018, 29 rhinos in 2019, and over 50 poached by the end of 2020. The war on poachers has since 2018 been led by the army Botswana Defense Force who have killed at least 24 poachers to date. As part of their efforts to deter poaching the government decided to dehorn the rhinos but the exercise did little (if anything) to stop the onslaught as poachers reportedly began killing dehorned animals out of frustration. Sunday Standard reported earlier this year how some poachers have reportedly been happy to collect the stubs left after dehorning in a mission to at least salvage something from the animals. They were also reported to be ruthlessly slaughtering calves without much horn. If the number of rhinos poached since 2018 is anything to go by, the government’s decision to disarm the anti-poaching unit three years ago has had a devastating effect on the fight against rhino and elephant poaching.

Series Title:
Independent
Type:
Newspaper
Item Type:
Report
Language:
en

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