The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has announced a complete ban on drones within Etosha National Park, citing escalating security concerns linked to rhino poaching. Colgar Sikopo, the ministry’s deputy executive director of Natural Resource Management, stated that while drones were previously permitted under strict conditions, the increasing misuse by visitors has necessitated a stricter approach. "Many visitors have been entering the park and using drones with no such permission. This situation created some security risks and a disturbance to other visitors to the park," Sikopo explained. He added that drones can be exploited by poachers to locate endangered species, particularly black rhinos. Etosha National Park is home to approximately 72% of Namibia's black rhino population, making it a critical area for conservation efforts. However, the park has experienced a surge in poaching incidents, with 19 rhinos poached in the first quarter of 2024 alone.