Search results

Illegal harvesting and trafficking of plants have skyrocketed in Namibia over the past few years. Arrests of suspects for crimes related to plants have increased from three in 2021 to 42 last year. According to the Namibia National Wildlife Protection Report for 2024, Namibian flora is clearly becoming increasingly popular in the ornamental-plant trade, driven by online marketing. Statistics provided in the report showed that 1 211 plant products were seized last year and 18 cases related to plant crimes were registered, while nine cases were finalised.

Illegal harvesting and trafficking of plants have skyrocketed in Namibia over the past few years. Arrests of suspects for crimes related to plants have increased from three in 2021 to 42 last year. According to the Namibia National Wildlife Protection Report for 2024, Namibian flora is clearly becoming increasingly popular in the ornamental-plant trade, driven by online marketing. Statistics provided in the report showed that 1 211 plant products were seized last year and 18 cases related to plant crimes were registered, while nine cases were finalised.

Surging organised wildlife crime syndicates, limitations in wildlife protection, prosecution and sentencing, and inappropriate sentencing are just some of the wildlife crime challenges authorities grapple with in Namibia. According to the Namibia National Report on Wildlife Protection 2023, organised criminal activity appears to be increasing in various sectors involving Namibia's natural resources. The report said that during 2023, complex syndicate operations were investigated related to rhino poaching, live-plant trafficking, illicit timber harvesting and trophy shooting.

The wildlife crime cases over the last two years have mostly involved antelopes, pangolins, small mammals, rhinos and elephants.

The Rhino Sanctuary Namibia, located about 60km from Windhoek will officially open its doors this September. Although they have already had guests at the lodge to experience the magnificent surroundings and to pay a visit to the white rhinos roaming the area, they are still busy with some final touches. Manager Stefanus Prinsloo explained that the idea for Rhino Sanctuary Namibia came from the lodge owner, Tom Kjær who wanted to assist in protecting the rhinos against increasing poaching in Namibia.

Rangers from across the southern African region, including Namibia, have established a new community of practice for monitoring and reporting on elephant mortality. Accurate and consistent data on elephant deaths is crucial for understanding and effectively addressing the threats faced by 'nature's gardeners', which include human-elephant conflict, habitat loss and the illegal killing for ivory. Reliable data allows for informed decision-making and effective conservation measures to ensure the long-term survival of African elephants in their natural habitats.

The environment ministry has condemned an incident in which one of its staff members was arrested, together with three other suspects, on suspicion of illegally hunting a blue wildebeest in the Daan Viljoen Park near Windhoek. The spokesperson of the ministry, Romeo Muyunda, said the incident occurred on Tuesday at a roadblock between Daan Viljoen and Windhoek.

'n Beampte van die ministerie van omgewing en toerisme en nóg drie verdagtes is in hegtenis geneem ná hulle vermoedelik 'n blouwildebees onwettig in die Daan Viljoenpark naby Windhoek gejag het. Die woordvoerder van die ministerie, Romeo Muyunda, sê die arrestasies het Dinsdag by die padblokkade tussen Daan Viljoen geskied.

Das Umweltministerium hat einen Vorfall verurteilt, bei dem einer seiner Mitarbeiter zusammen mit drei anderen Verdächtigen wegen des Verdachts der illegalen Jagd auf ein Streifengnu im Daan-Viljoen-Park in der Nähe von Windhoek festgenommen wurde. Der Sprecher des Ministeriums, Romeo Muyunda, sagte, der Vorfall habe sich am Dienstag an einer Straßensperre zwischen Daan Viljoen und Windhoek ereignet.

A total of 87 rhinos were poached last year, of which 45 were killed in the Etosha National Park. This is according to new statistics released by the environment and tourism ministry, which show that last year, 61 black rhinos and 26 white rhinos were killed. In 2022, poaching cases included 15 rhinos poached on custodianship farms and another 25 white rhinos on private farms. Namibia recorded 45 rhinos poached in 2021, 43 in 2020, 61 in 2019, 84 in 2018 and 55 in 2017. So far this year, one rhino has been poached. Meanwhile, four elephants were killed last year.

A total of 87 rhinos were poached last year, of which 45 were killed in the Etosha National Park. This is according to new statistics released by the environment and tourism ministry, which show that last year, 61 black rhinos and 26 white rhinos were killed. In 2022, poaching cases included 15 rhinos poached on custodianship farms and another 25 white rhinos on private farms. Namibia recorded 45 rhinos poached in 2021, 43 in 2020, 61 in 2019, 84 in 2018 and 55 in 2017. So far this year, one rhino has been poached. Meanwhile, four elephants were killed last year.