With the population of the critically endangered black rhino only around 5,000, why did the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service (US FWS) recently issue sport-hunting permits to kill two black rhinos in Namibia? The permits, which cost hundreds of thousands of dollars each, will allow two wealthy American sport hunters to import their black […]
Black Rhino Sport-Hunting Permitted by US FWS Read More 👉
In less than a month, South Africa and India have lost a combined total of at least thirty-five rhinos to the illegal rhino horn trade. 32 rhinos were killed in South Africa as of January 24th and 13 suspects were arrested for rhino crimes, according to the Department of Environmental Affairs. The country’s rhino death
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Killing Spree Continues in South Africa and India Read More 👉
The number of rhinos killed in South Africa in 2012 has reached a staggering 618, according to a December 10th update from the Department of Environmental Affairs. There have been 257 arrests for rhino crimes this year in South Africa. Earlier this week, the much-anticipated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by South Africa’s Minister
Rhino Crisis Round Up: South Africa Death Toll At Least 618 Read More 👉
The massacre of South Africa’s rhinos continues at a horrifying pace, with 467 killed this year as of October 22nd, according to the Department of Environmental Affairs. Gareth Morgan, Shadow Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, is questioning the decision to withdraw “a dedicated group of police personnel” and a “dedicated helicopter used in
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Death Toll Soars to 467 in South Africa & More Read More 👉
South Africa has now lost at least 430 rhinos to the illegal rhino horn trade since the start of 2012, according to figures released by the Department of Environmental Affairs. 258 of the rhinos were killed in Kruger National Park, and 205 people have been arrested this year in South Africa for rhino crimes. India
Rhino Crisis Round Up: 430 Rhinos Killed in S Africa & More Read More 👉
On September 22nd, the third annual World Rhino Day was celebrated, with over a dozen countries participating this year. World Rhino Day brought NGOs, zoos, rhino sanctuaries, and concerned citizens across the globe together to raise awareness and funds for the five species of rhinoceros — all of which are under threat from the
World Rhino Day 2012 Round Up Read More 👉
India’s Kaziranga National Park has unfortunately lost another rhino, as a female rhino was found dead this week in the park’s Bagori range. PTI reports that “empty shells and a mobile phone” were recovered near the rhinos body; she was at least the tenth rhino killed in India since the start of 2012. In Kenya,
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Rhinos Killed in India, Kenya & More Read More 👉
At least 373 rhinos have been killed for their horns in South Africa during the first eight months of 2012, according to the country’s Department of Environmental Affairs. Of the total, 229 were massacred in the famed Kruger National Park. So far this year, 199 people have been arrested in South Africa for rhino crimes.
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Death Toll Soars to 373 in S Africa & More Read More 👉
Retired NBA star Yao Ming was in Kenya to film “The End of the Wild” documentary — and to bring international awareness to the plight of African rhinos and elephants, whose numbers are being decimated by demand from China. Yao’s itinerary included a visit to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, home to four of the world’s
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Yao Ming in Kenya & More Read More 👉
In the United States, antiques dealer David Hausman has pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice and creating false records in relation to rhino horn trafficking. The Manhattan antiques dealer is one of the suspects arrested in February 2012 as part of “Operation Crash“. Hausman admitted in the plea agreement that he was engaging in criminal
Rhino Crisis Round Up: U.S. Antiques Dealer Pleads Guilty & More Read More 👉
Although the latest figures from the South African government show the country’s rhino death toll at 281, sources outside the media cite a figure closer to 300. And sadly, that number increased yet again, with the killing of a young male rhino on a farm in Mossel Bay. The rhino was darted with a tranquilizer
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Killings, Arrests in S Africa & More Read More 👉
This week, the South African media reported that some game farmers and reserve owners have allegedly been killing their own rhinos and claiming the rhinos were “poached” — and then selling the horns on the black market. Of course, game farmer Dawie Groenewald was mentioned in the IOL/ Cape Times revelation, since the bodies of
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Game Farmers Allegedly Killing Their Own Rhinos & More Read More 👉
The International Rhino Foundation (IRF) is awaiting the historical birth of a critically endangered Sumatran rhino at the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary in Indonesia’s Way Kambas National Park. Expectant mother Ratu is being monitored 24/7 by her primary veterinarian, as well as a team of rhino experts from several continents. Ratu’s baby is expected to be
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Sumatran Rhino Pregnancy Watch & More Read More 👉
South Africa’s rhino horn syndicate case involving game farmer Marnus Steyl, professional hunter Harry Claassens, and Thai nationals Chumlung Lemtongthai, Punpitak Chunchom, and Tool Sriton has been postponed. Although the alleged syndicate’s legal team had hoped to get the case thrown out, the suspects will make another court appearance on November 5th. Steyl and his
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Steyl-Lemtongthai Case Postponed & More Read More 👉
There seems to be no end in sight to the continuing slaughter of South Africa’s iconic rhinos, as the Department of Environmental Affairs stated this week that 220 rhinos have been killed so far this year. 146 suspects have been arrested, and the majority (207) of the killings are concentrated in Kruger National Park, and
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Death Toll Soars to 220 in S. Africa & More Read More 👉
For the fourth time since their arrest in September 2010, South Africa’s high-profile rhino horn syndicate case involving game farmer and safari operator Dawie Groenewald — along with professional hunters and wildlife veterinarians — has been postponed. The syndicate suspects (dubbed the “Groenewald gang”) are expected back in court on October 19th to face 1,872
Rhino Crisis Round Up: 'Groenewald Gang' Case Postponed (Again) & More Read More 👉
Fantastic news this week from India: The greater one-horned rhino population has increased in Kaziranga National Park, Orang National Park, and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. The rhino population in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park soared to 2290, up from the 2009 census which counted 2048 rhinos. Orang National Park’s rhino population zoomed from 64 to 100, and
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Rhino Population Increase in India & More Read More 👉
The latest figures released by the South African Government Department of Environmental Affairs are grim: 150 rhinos have been slaughtered since the beginning of 2012. According the statement, more than half (87) of the rhinos were killed in South Africa’s famed Kruger National Park, and 90 people have been arrested for rhino-related crimes during the
Rhino Crisis Round Up: South Africa Death Toll at 150 & More Read More 👉
An alleged rhino killer has reportedly committed suicide after being confronted by police at his home. According to South Africa’s Jacaranda 94.2, Walter Nkuna was the manager of Atherstone Nature Reserve where five rhinos were recently shot. Nkuna apparently allowed three Mozambican men into the reserve, after telling “field rangers not to come to work
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Suspected Rhino Killer Commits Suicide & More Read More 👉
One suspected rhino killer was shot dead and another two wounded after they opened fire on Kruger National Park rangers, who acted in self-defense. A fourth member of the rhino-killing gang was arrested, and has admitted to slaughtering three rhinos last week in the park. The South African Police Service said that a rifle and
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Rhino Killer Shot Dead in Kruger National Park & More Read More 👉
South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that at least 54 of the country’s rhinos have been killed since the start of 2012. Of these, 26 were massacred in the famed Kruger National Park. Although five arrests were reportedly made earlier this week and three people were jailed earlier this month, none of these suspects
Rhino Crisis Round Up: 54 Rhinos Killed in 6 Weeks (S Africa) & More Read More 👉
Photo © International Rhino Foundation This week, authorities in Nepal confiscated a rhino horn and arrested four people, including three policemen. The Himalayan Times identified the suspects as Constable Dambar Bahadur Tamang, Head Constable Bhupal Thapa, Constable Bishnu Subedi and Solti Gurung. It was noted that Thapa and Subedi had previous departmental violations. Deadly shootout
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Four Arrested in Nepal, Sumatran Rhino Pregnancy & More Read More 👉
The sentencing of three rhino killers to 25 years in prison is indeed welcome news from South Africa’s battle to protect its rhinos. Three Mozambicans identified by BuaNews as Aselmo Baloyi, Jawaki Nkuna and Ismael Baloyi each received 25 years in jail for killing rhinos in Kruger National Park back in 2010. The trio was
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Rhino Killers Sentenced to Jail in S Africa & More Read More 👉
In a matter of hours, the highly anticipated Parliamentary discussion about South Africa’s horrific rhino situation will commence in Cape Town. Public hearings on potential solutions to the country’s rhino crisis are expected to begin Thursday at 9:30 AM SAST. The Department of Environmental Affairs (the Department), and other relevant government state holders will commence
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Parliamentary #rhinohearing in South Africa & More Read More 👉
This week, a disturbing development emerged in India, and South Africa is beefing up security for its imperiled rhinos. Rhino killing attempt thwarted at zoo In India, a suspect identified as Chin Khansong was arrested for attempting to kill rhinos at the Assam State Zoo, where nine greater one-horned rhinos are kept. He had a
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Rhino-Killing Attempt Thwarted at Zoo, & More Read More 👉
© naturepl.com / Mark Carwardine / WWF An announcement made today by WWF confirms that 2011’s rhino death toll in South Africa reached a record-breaking 448. Of the 448 rhinos murdered for their horns, 19 were critically endangered black rhinos. 252 of the rhino killings occurred in Kruger National Park, where eight rhinos were found
South Africa: 448 Rhinos Killed in 2011 [Warning: Graphic] Read More 👉
South Africa’s famed Kruger National Park was the scene of shocking discovery: The bodies of eight rhinos, all with their horns removed. A spokesperson for the country’s flagship tourist destination told the Times Live that three of the dead rhinos were found in Lower Sabie and the other five in the Pretoriuskop section. Rhino killings
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Eight Rhinos Slaughtered in Kruger National Park & More Read More 👉
Photo © Elizabeth John / TRAFFIC A record number of at least 13 large-scale ivory seizures in 2011, along with continued elephant killings in Africa, indicate that the illegal ivory trade is thriving — thanks to demand from Asia. In addition, records from “hundreds of smaller ivory seizures” are currently being compiled by the wildlife
Asian Demand for Ivory Leads 'Unprecedented Assault' on African Elephants Read More 👉
There is still no end in sight to the rhino massacre in South Africa, as this year’s body count has now exceeded 400, surpassing the 2010 death toll of 333. Although arrests for rhino crimes have also increased, South Africa’s conviction rate is abysmally low: Less than five percent. According to The Telegraph, 229 of
A sobering media release from WWF has confirmed that the number of rhinos killed in South Africa during the first 10 months of 2011 has already exceeded last year’s total of 333. © naturepl.com/Mark Carwardine/WWF South Africa’s rhino death toll now stands at a record 341. The total includes 16 critically endangered black rhinos. A
The conservation community mourns this week as the extinction of the Javan rhino subspecies (Rhinoceros sondaicus annamiticus) was confirmed. Photo © WWF-Greater Mekong DNA testing determined that a female rhino, found shot to death in Vietnam’s Cat Tien National Park in 2010 with her horn missing, was the very last of her kind. A report
An accomplished criminal wanted for abduction, attempted murder, and killing rhinos in both South Africa and Swaziland has been shot dead after firing on police officers.
There was encouraging news this week from South Africa: Has justice finally been served? Meanwhile, tragedy struck inside one of India’s premier tourist destinations and a rhino horn display was stolen from a UK zoo.
There are now at least 250 fewer rhinos in South Africa than there were at the beginning of the year, thanks to the continuing menace of international rhino horn smuggling syndicates.
The Planet’s remaining rhinos will soon have their day, thanks to an international campaign launched to celebrate these magnificent pachyderms.
Mark Your Calendar: World Rhino Day is September 22 {Videos} Read More 👉
There was encouraging news this week from South Africa, as efforts to crack down on the country’s trophy hunting debacle are moving forward. Meanwhile, antique rhino horn thefts continue – but there may be very unpleasant consequences for the end user.
Thanks to a financially-focused rhino story that dominated the news during the past few days, crime syndicates could be more motivated than ever to “source” rhino horn.
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Antique Rhino Horn Cups Fuel the Fire, Thai 'Hookers' Weep & More Read More 👉
Yet another unsavory connection between South Africa’s trophy hunting of rhinos and the illegal rhino horn trade: Recent investigations have revealed that Thai prostitutes were brought into the country by a known human trafficker for the purpose of “hunting” rhinos.
Thai Prostitutes Hired to Kill Rhinos in South African Trophy Hunting Scam Read More 👉
This week’s Round Up takes a look at a couple of great initiatives in Nepal and Zimbabwe – plus, India welcomes some very special new arrivals! Meanwhile, South Africa’s (alleged) rhino horn syndicate kingpin Groenewald remains under the public’s microscope.
This irreverent video offers a hilarious solution to the very serious issue facing rhinos in South Africa.
Cheeky Campaign Points Finger (nails) at Rhino Crisis {Video} Read More 👉
The rhino crisis continues to span international boundaries, with the thriving illegal market for rhino horn tempting more thieves in Europe — and taking more innocent lives in South Africa.
Meanwhile, China is still sitting in the hot seat.
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Belgian Bust, China Clams Up & Make Way for DNA Read More 👉
Thanks to trophy hunt loopholes in South Africa, rhino horn smugglers have found a way to acquire their contraband legally.
As part of the sinister organized crime network that is controlling the illegal rhino horn trade, these “mules” (often women) are actually using “hunting safaris” as a front for running rhino horn from South Africa to Vietnam.
Mules Hunting Rhinos? Sinister Scam Unfolds in South Africa Read More 👉
In what has become one of the worst assaults on the world’s rhinos in recent history, the news continues to shock even the most seasoned wildlife conservationists.
Rhino Crisis Round-Up: Tragedy, With a Side of Disaster (and a Tiny Ray of Hope) Read More 👉
Fed by demand from growing markets in Asia, poaching of rhino horns in Africa has dramatically increased in the last three years, according to a recent article, as well-organized groups have started using high-tech equipment–including helicopters–to track and kill the endangered animals.
Rhino Poachers Go High-Tech, Rhino Kills Increase 2000% Read More 👉
