Rhino Poaching 2014

[Penga Ndlovu]

There is talk about more than 30 already.
Trying to get more info.

I hope it is only talk!!! If it is true, we are in for a VERY bad year!!

Doesnt look like idle talk.

[okie]

If indeed 30 , then it would not surprise me at all .

Last year , on 27th March 2013 , I posted the following on another forum .

.............actually , interpolating and taking into account the escalation factor compared to this time last year ( 2012 ) , potentially 31st December 2013 will see that around 990 - 1020 rhino's had been killed . That is more than the supposed 5 - 6 % in new births , and therefore , sadly next year , the rhino population will be on its first inevitable steps towards extinction :big_eyes:

Now , if we accept the published figure of 954 as being correct , then I wasn't very far off in my calculation/estimation , and as such , I really dread to see what is already happening within a few days after the start of the new year

[Duke]

I remember that post okie and already deadful for the new year

[Richprins]

I think that point was reached long ago, okie, especially as nobody has a clue about how many white rhino there are currently in the Park!

[okie]

Exactly RP . And since we do not know the exact number of animals , we cannot be quite certain about why the poaching is escalating . On the positive side , we may assume that rhino numbers are still quite healthy , and even , despite poaching , still climbing . And this is the stance taken by " the powers that be " In other words , critical point of no return has not yet been reached

However , on the negative side , let's say that poaching does not reach the same levels as for 2013 , and in fact declines , then it does not necessarily mean that the measures against poaching is having a good effect , but actually then be the confirmation that critical point has been reach , and that in general terms , rhino numbers are into a downward swing
And that is what I am really afraid of

[Richprins]

However , on the negative side , let's say that poaching does not reach the same levels as for 2013 , and in fact declines , then it does not necessarily mean that the measures against poaching is having a good effect , but actually then be the confirmation that critical point has been reach ,

Logic dictates that, okie, as poachers will struggle to find targets operating blindly. But experience dictates that there are insiders who will guide them to the very last individual left alive, IMO...

[okie]

Of course RP

[Richprins]

The only thing is a massive PR campaign to convince locals that rhinos = tourist income, and elephant are next. Money is paramount, unfortunately.

[wynand]

Black Wednesday

5 rhino confimred shot last night. 4 seperate incidents, all within 30km of Hoedspruit.

[Richprins]

So it begins...

I'm always a bit suspicious of incidents on private land, wynand, call me a pessimist or realist...there have been incidents of private owners poaching themselves, to avoid the inevitable, so to speak, and at least getting something out?