12/19/2023 0 Comments South african rhinocerosHowever, while some poachers have been killed and some given lengthy prison sentences, the middlemen and leaders of the criminal syndicates, who are known to authorities, have largely gone unpunished. Rangers have risked their lives to defend rhinos. Hundreds of millions of rands have been poured into the militaristic antipoaching effort centred on Kruger National Park and millions of dollars of hitech equipment donated. Some 93% of South Africans think rhino poaching is a problem for all South Africans, according to a WildAid survey. Yet, in the past decade it has experienced unprecedented and horrific poaching - now at around 1000 animals a year. South Africa is home to 80% of the world’s rhinos and they are a key attraction for the tourism industry. If the country cannot effectively address rhino poaching, then what hope is there for drug smuggling, kidnappings, cash-intransit heists and robberies? The gutting of intelligence agencies, turmoil in the Hawks and the erosion of the capacity to combat organised crime are among the gravest challenges Ramaphosa faces. President Cyril Ramaphosa faces many challenges in moving South Africa forward, but there is a decade-long crisis that should be addressed at this “moment of hope and renewal” and which could signal a new determination and rule of law that will reflect positively on the entire nation and inspire hope for the future. White Rhino mother and sub-adult- Shannon Wild (Shannon Benson)
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