GABORONE, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Stiff and strict measures will remain enforced to counter rhino poaching in Botswana, the conservation minister said Sunday.

In a statement to commemorate World Rhino Day, Environment, Natural Resources Conversation and Tourism Minister Tshekedi Khama said strict efforts to conserve rhinos will not be softened.

"As it is the case with all other wild animals, the rhinoceros have had its well and woe times over the years," said Khama.

"Rhinoceros have been subjected to seemingly perpetual trying times resulting from poaching, climate change and loss of habitat due to urbanization. Statistics indicated that in just a decade, more than 7,137 African rhinos have been lost to poaching," said the minister.

"This (loss of African rhinos to poaching) is very alarming. It is against this background that we will jealously guard against losing the estimated 1,000 rhinos we have in Botswana through strict and stiff measures to counter poaching," he said.

He beseeched members of the public to join hands with the Botswana government in protecting the rhinoceros. Enditem

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