Nearly a decade ago, poachers used cyanide to slaughter more than 135 elephants for their ivory in and around Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park. In the wake of these poisonings, the Southern African country tightened its laws to prevent similar deadly attacks on its wildlife. A new study shows that, even as international demand for ivory […]
Tag: Kruger National Park
African rhino poaching falls but illegal hunting still threatens species
African rhino poaching rates have fallen since 2018, figures show, but thousands are still being illegally hunted, threatening the species’ future, experts warn. In 2015, killings hit a peak of 5.3 per cent of the species’ population, but last year they dropped to 2.3 per cent, according to a report. Covid-19 lockdowns meant poaching rates […]
Traditional Witch Doctors Blamed For Murder of Over 100 Vultures They Use For Potions
After 100 vultures in a South African park died, witch doctors are being blamed for poisoning them so that they can use their body parts in black magic potions. At least 150 critically endangered vultures were poisoned to death in Botswana and South Africa in two separate events last week. Around 100 were found dead […]
Black Mambas review – thorny issues for South Africa’s all-female anti-poaching unit
Formed to battle the endless killing of rhinos in South Africa, the Black Mambas are an all-female anti-poaching unit who tirelessly work to protect wildlife in Balule Nature Reserve and Kruger national park. Dressed in camouflage uniforms and trained in a military-style boot camp, the women come off as formidable guardians of environmental justice. In […]
Rhino and zebra babies become best mates after being found orphaned in the wild
A rhino and zebra have struck up an unlikely friendship after being rescued as orphans in the wild. Adorable pictures show the ‘live-saving’ friendship of seven-month-old rhino Daisy and zebra Modjadji who were both rescued by an orphan animal sanctuary in South Africa. Daisy and Modjadji, whose name means ‘rain queen’, were both nurtured back […]
![A Cape vulture flies low at the Vulpro Vulture Rehabilitation Centre in Hartebeepoort Dam in the Magalisburg region of South Africa in 2015 [Mujahid Safodien/AFP] (AFP)](https://focusingonwildlife.com/news/wp-content/uploads/000_Par8276044.jpg "More than 150 endangered vultures poisoned in South Africa, Botswana")
More than 150 endangered vultures poisoned in South Africa, Botswana
At least 150 critically-endangered vultures were poisoned to death in separate incidents in Botswana and South Africa, conservationists said, warning that the mass killings pushed the birds closer to extinction. In the latest incidents, more than 50 white-backed vultures were found dead in Botswana’s northern Chobe district on Friday, while about 100 others were discovered […]
Kruger Park rangers and others ‘found abusing euthanised leopard’
Kruger National Park rangers and other employees were filmed allegedly abusing a euthanised leopard. SANParks says their conduct was contrary to the ethos of the organisation whose primary goal is to act as the custodian of wildlife. File image. Image: Lesley Stones Rangers and employees at the Kruger National Park have had their statements taken […]
Head, limbs and shoes found after poachers eaten by lions during bungled rhino slaughter
To animal rights activists, those who kill majestic wild creatures for sport, pleasure or profit are very much the enemy. So when a known trophy hunter or poacher meets a bloody end, their opposers are unlikely to shed any tears. That was very much the case this week when Riaan Naude, a notorious trophy hunter […]