The black rhino, also known as the hook-lipped rhinoceros, is a critically endangered species of rhinoceros, that was previously endemic throughout much of Eastern, Central, and Southern Africa, and also to certain regions in West Africa. The species has seen a dramatic drop in population numbers and genetic diversity in recent years. Many of the
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
During the first ten days of 2013, a total of seven rhinos have already been killed in South Africa and India, while arrests have been made in India, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam. Unfortunately, South Africa’s final body count for 2012 was even higher than expected. The South African Department of Environmental Affairs announced on January
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
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
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
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
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,
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
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
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
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
This week, the Norwich Crown Court sentenced Nihad Mahmod to two-and-a-half years in jail for taking part in a rhino horn robbery at Norwich Castle in February. According to BBC News, the other three gang members are still at large. Over the last few years, rhino horn exhibits at museums have been targeted by thieves
Nearly two years after being arrested with some 30 rhino horns in his possession, South African game farmer Jacques Els has finally landed in jail. Els began serving his eight-year sentence this week following a failed appeal, according to IOL. He was also ordered to pay R1 million (US $122,802) to the Green Scorpions. He
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
This week, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia declared June 5th, 2012, as the beginning of the International Year of the Rhino. Indonesia is home to Critically Endangered Javan and Sumatran rhinos. Both species are teetering at the edge of extinction, with only around 40 Javan rhinos and fewer than 200 Sumatran rhinos still surviving.
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
Kaziranga National Park’s greater one-horned rhinos are safer today, following an exchange of gunfire between authorities and armed rhino killers, which left one of the assailants dead. According to India Blooms news, the incident occurred near the Bagori range of the park. Police also recovered a .303 rifle and live ammunition. Less than a week
The South African Police Service (SAPS) announced this week that a raid on the properties of rhino horn syndicate suspects Dawie Groenewald, Karel Toet and Manie du Plessis has resulted in the seizure of assets totaling approximately R55 million (US $6.8 million). A joint team comprised of the Hawks, SAPS, SANDF, the NPA, the Asset
This week, South Africa’s Department of Environmental Affairs released the shocking figure of 199 rhinos slaughtered during the first four months of 2012. Most of the massacre has occurred in Kruger National Park, where 119 rhinos were killed. In addition, 122 people have been arrested in South Africa for rhino-related crimes. Last year, the body
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
South Africa’s Department of Environmental Affairs has reportedly updated the number of rhinos killed in the country this year to 181. Investigative journalist Julian Rademeyer tweeted that 113 arrests have been made so far, and 111 of the 181 rhinos were killed in the flagship Kruger National Park. However, despite the massacre — and thanks
This week, tragedy struck in Nepal’s Chitwan National Park, where a female rhino was killed for her horn. The Himalayan Times reports that the rhino’s body was discovered in the western belt of the park, near the Sailimaili River. It was the first time in more than a calendar year that a rhino was killed
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
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
Here we are, not quite three months into 2012, and already more than 100 rhinos have been massacred in South Africa. The Independent Online says the 100-plus figure was verified by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA). Earlier this week, South Africa National Parks (SANparks) announced that it would not be providing updates regarding the
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
It’s just 61 days into 2012 and at least 80 rhinos have already been killed in South Africa. South African National Parks (SANParks) released the grim tally earlier this week, along with the news that four Kruger National Park employees have been arrested for suspected involvement with rhino killings. Dr. David Mabunda, the Chief Executive
Great news! The United States Fish and Wildlife Service has cracked a major international rhino horn trafficking ring and arrested several people across a dozen states. The undercover investigation called “Operation Crash” also resulted in the seizure of more than 30 rhino horns, over $1 million in cash, and $1 million in Rolex watches, gold
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
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
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
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
© 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’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
The New Year seems to be starting off on a positive note for Asian rhinos, with encouraging news about greater one-horned, Javan, and Sumatran rhinos. Meanwhile, a new initiative in South Africa is launched to rehabilitate rhino calves orphaned by the continuing killing spree. ‘Missing’ rhino located A straying greater one-horned rhino was found after
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
Another link between South Africa’s wildlife industry and the country’s rhino killing spree was revealed when South African veterinarian Dr. Douw Grobler appeared in the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court last week. Although Grobler was not formally charged with a crime, his appearance was apparently part of an investigation into the activities of Hugo Ras, a
Earlier this week, more than 20 participants from diverse areas – including advertising, public health, and wildlife trade – met at a workshop in Hong Kong to discuss strategies for reducing the demand for products made from endangered species. The seemingly inescapable appetite for endangered species is driven by the economic boom in countries such
The good guys prevailed in this week’s battle to protect the world’s rhinos from medicinal myths about rhino horn: A rhino killing gang was busted in India, while another suspected rhino killer was arrested near South Africa’s border with Mozambique. In both cases, the arrests were preceded by shootouts. Rhino killers arrested In India, four
This week, a large rhino horn seizure in Hong Kong may provide clues to a rhino horn supplier network – if DNA sampling requests are fulfilled. Meanwhile, a contingency of rhino ranchers in South Africa continue their crusade to profit (legally) from the rhino crisis. Cape Town shipment On Tuesday, customs officials in Hong Kong
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
EXTINCT: Vietnam’s last rhino was a victim of the illegal rhino horn trade. Photo © WWF-Greater Mekong WWF and the International Rhino Foundation (IRF) have confirmed the extinction of the Javan rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus annamiticus) in Vietnam. DNA match On April 29th, 2010, the body of a female Javan rhino was found in Cat Tien
This week, the greater one-horned rhino is in the news. A smuggling gang is in custody in Nepal, while India has deployed a new weapon in the fight to protect its rhinos.
Rhino killers struck in Kenya and South Africa, leaving at least six rhinos dead, including three critically endangered black rhinos. Two of the deaths were rhino calves: A white rhino calf was shot along with the mother, and a baby black rhino died as a result of being orphaned.
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.
This morning, South Africa’s notorious “Groenewald gang” made another court appearance. Is progress being made in efforts to bring this (alleged) rhino horn syndicate to justice?
This week’s Round Up is an inspirational snapshot of both offline and online events undertaken by people all over the world to bring awareness to the plight of the planet’s remaining rhinos. The unifying message is one simple truth: “Rhino horn is NOT Medicine!”
