Africa-Press – Namibia. THE poaching of endangered species such as rhinos and elephants in Namibia has significantly decline this year. This is according to data provided by Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism on Thursday.
So for, a total of 14 rhinos and five elephants were killed by poachers this year in Namibia. These numbers are, however, the lowest recorded in the last eight years.
Rhino poaching peaked in the year 2015, with 97 rhinos killed for their horns, while elephant poaching peaked in 2016, with 101 elephants killed. Poaching numbers have since 2016 been steadily declining.
Although many believe the decline is largely due to the global pandemic that has resulted in movement restrictions, environment ministry spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda, said the decline can be attributed to the consistency in the implementation of anti-poaching strategies.
Muyunda said these strategies include the collaborative efforts of the ministry and law enforcement agency in most parks and poaching hotspots. “Security measures in and around the parks were intensified. The presence of our anti-poaching personnel on the ground is heavy,” he said. Muyunda added that they have also implemented aerial patrol, as well dog units to complement the anti-poaching unit.
