South Africa: 158 rhinos killed by poachers so far in 2013

According to the latest statistics released by South African National Parks (SANParks), South Africa has lost 158 rhinos to illegal poaching since the beginning of 2013. Of the rhinos poached, 116 rhinos were killed in the Kruger National Park, 13 in North West, 12 in KwaZulu-Natal, 9 in Limpopo and 8 in Mpumalanga. A total of 61 people have been arrested, 38 of them alleged poachers and three alleged couriers.
In the past week two alleged poachers were arrested in the Kruger National Park. Nine were arrested at a game farm near Lephalale in Limpopo in connection with rhino poaching on 10 March 2013, the Limpopo conservation department confirmed.

Latest rhino poaching figures (as of 14 March 2013):  

• Kruger National Park (SANParks) - 116 rhinos poached
• Mapungubwe National Park (SANParks) - 0 rhino poached
• Gauteng - 0 rhino poached
• Limpopo - 9 rhinos poached
• Mpumalanga - 8 rhino poached
• North-West Province - 13 rhinos poached
• Eastern Cape - 0 rhino poached
• Free State - 0 rhino poached
• KwaZulu Natal - 12 rhinos poached
• Western Cape - 0 rhino poached
• Northern Cape - 0 rhino poached

The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) is urging members of the public to report incidents of rhino poaching or any tip-offs to the anonymous tip-off lines 0800 205 005, 08600 10111 or Crime-Line on 32211.