Durban - The fight against rhino poaching in KwaZulu-Natal has received a R26.8-million boost, thanks to a Dutch and Swedish grant.
The amount is part of a R218m grant from the Dutch and Swedish Postcode Lotteries to the Peace Parks Foundation.
In a statement, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife spokesman, Musa Mntambo, said the grant was aimed at combating wildlife crime in South Africa.
Since it was announced in February, the SA National Parks and Ezemvelo have been working with the foundation to plan projects.
Mntambo said the partners had established governance structures under the Department of Environmental Affairs to oversee the implementation of the Rhino Protection Programme to combat poaching in the country, home to more than four-fifths of the continent’s rhino.
Tactical
He said in KZN field rangers were undergoing training and were being provided with operational and tactical equipment such as night vision goggles.
Secure communication networks were being established across the province’s rhino reserves and surveillance cameras would be placed at strategic locations.
Mntambo said drones would also be tested.
“Resources have been provided to strengthen the capacity of wildlife veterinary surgeons to treat the rhino that survive brutal attacks by poachers, and to take rhino orphans into care.”
He said police detectives and prosecutors were receiving wildlife crime scene training.
Mntambo said these projects were being implemented as part of an agreement signed by Ezemvelo and the foundation in April and would enhance the existing rhino management and protection activities by Ezemvelo.
Foundation chief executive, Werner Myburgh, said: “Since the funding was received in May, a number of project implementation agreements have been signed, research and other projects started.
“These projects are the first of more to come in other areas in our region to secure rhino populations.”
Ezemvelo chief executive, Dr Bandile Mkhize, welcomed the roll-out of the projects, saying: “Ezemvelo is determined to save the rhino for future generations to enjoy…
“Working with the local communities and other partners, we are combining efforts to ensure the rhino’s survival.”
As of last month, a total of 695 rhino had been poached in South Africa this year, compared with 1 004 for the whole of last year.
Of these, 57 rhino were poached in KZN and 418 in the Kruger National Park.
Daily News