South Africa intensifies protection of wildlife
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E-mail Xinhua, May 22, 2013
As South Africans join the world in commemorating the World Wildlife Protection Day on May 22, the South African National Parks (SANParks), is calling on all the people in the country to double their efforts in protecting the country's wildlife.
Ike Phaahla, Media Specialist at SANParks has a strong but simple message to all the people living in South Africa -- "Keep your eyes and ears open; assist all our enforcement agencies in dealing with the scourge of environmental crimes. Let us leave this heritage intact for future generations."
SANParks, which manages the country's wild animals, vegetation, landscapes and other associated cultural heritage, is in charge of 22 wildlife parks countrywide and there are more parks that are privately owned.
The country prides itself of prestigious wildlife. The most popular animals that many people look for and get excited about are the big five namely lions, leopards, buffalo, rhino and elephants.
The lion, popularly known as king of the jungle is the darling of many locals and tourists visiting the country. Its population at the national parks is currently around 1,800 not including those in private parks.
The leopard, known for its colorful skin and intelligent hunting skills, is also a popular animal in South Africa. Up to 3, 000 of these are kept in the national parks.
The Buffalo tops the big five in terms of numbers. The animal is popular for its curved horns, stubbornness and skills of killing a lion. There are up to 40,000 buffalo in the country's national parks. The number is even bigger when counting those in private parks.
The big rhino and the majestic elephant are also very popular. "Elephants and the rhino species also have good enough numbers. However, they are being targeted by poachers who are driven by demand from Asian countries," said Phaahla.
Phaahla said the South African government, through SANParks and other stakeholders, has put in place a number of measures to make sure these animals are protected from all forms of exploitation and killing.
"In the South African National Parks, there is a lot of support for scientific research which informs most of the policies that government implements in the management of our wild life," he said.
"To counter poaching, there has been a lot of emphasis on security and more rangers are being trained in the counter- poaching units," he said.
Huge resources have also been committed in protecting wildlife to an extent that patrollers not only move on foot, bicycles and vehicles only but also use helicopters, fixed wing aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles.
South Africa continues to face serious challenges of poaching despite the use of sophisticated technology in protecting wildlife. So far poachers have killed 229 rhinos since the beginning of 2013. However, the government is also intensifying its war against poaching and 48 poachers have been arrested since the beginning of 2012.
"There are many challenges faced in protecting our wildlife. Most of the poachers come into the country through the porous borders of the neighboring country of Mozambique. Levels of poverty in that country drive villagers to risk their limb and life crossing into the Kruger National park, to kill the rhino for its horns," he said.
"The high demand for the rhino horn in the Asian countries is the major problem," said Phaahla.
Nevertheless, South Africa continues to attract huge numbers of tourists who are interested in viewing the country's different kinds of wildlife.
"The wildlife is our heritage. It enhances our status as a tourist destination. SANParks, especially Kruger National Park, is one of the attractions that visitors from abroad wish to see when they visit the country," he said.
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