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International traffickers have tried many ways to smuggle African rhino horns to Asia, concealing them inside wooden Buddha statues, stashing horn pieces in lobster heads kept in a refrigerated container and disguising horn portions as the bases of painted statues. Now, conservationists say, some criminal groups are processing rhino horns into powder and trinkets before export, a trend that could reflect changing consumer tastes and make it harder for police to intercept the illegal cargo.

At a workshop held last week, the security of custodial and private rhinos, as well as legally held horns, was discussed. An audit will be conducted to ensure the safekeeping of not only rhino horns held legally in Namibia, but also that the permits held by all the rhino horn owners in the country are up to date. This is according to Dr Malan Lindeque, permanent environment and tourism secretary. Moreover, rhino owners in Namibia have raised concern about the management, the legality and the safekeeping of rhino horns in the event of the death the animal.

Owners of white rhinos have been warned to be careful when employing workers. With increased anti-poaching efforts taking place in Namibia the trend of rhino poaching has shifted to black rhino under custodianship and privately owned white rhinos.

Although pangolins are already protected in Namibia, the Cites decision will raise awareness of this critically
endangered animal.

The Minister of Environment and Tourism has applauded the Namibian courts for sending to jail four Chinese nationals arrested in 2014 for rhino horn smuggling.

Depending on your views about legal trade in wildlife products, the past week was either a good week or a very good week for Namibian conservation, writes John Grobler.

Four Chinese citizens sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment each in connection with an attempt to smuggle rhinoceros horns and a leopard skin out of Namibia in March 2014, will appeal against their conviction and sentences.