Hörner! So the poaching of the rhinos drops drastically

Hörner! So the poaching of the rhinos drops drastically

poaching is a serious threat to rhinos in Africa and Asia. Especially in the Krüger National Park, which houses the largest rhinoceros population in South Africa, the animals have been increasingly target of poachers in recent years. A new research team around Tim Kuiper has found that the removal of the horns can drastically reduce the poaching. According to the results that were collected in 11 reserves over a period of six years, a decline in poaching could be determined by about 75% after the animals were broken. While the risk of poaching for horned rhinos is 13%, it is only 0.6% reports the Süddeutsche Zeitung .

The cost of the entertainment is comparatively low. For 2,284 animals, the expenditure was only 1.2% of the total budget of $ 74 million, which was provided for the fight against poaching in the 11 reserves between 2017 and 2021. The expenditure on an estimated 3,120 US dollar per resident rhinoceros per year is per year. Despite these positive effects, there are considerable challenges, since Wilderer could continue to switch to areas where the horns were not removed. In addition, the horn grows, which means that the challenge of poaching is not fully solved.

Current developments in the Krüger National Park

A serious point is the alarming situation in the Krüger National Park itself. In 2020, 245 rhinos popular in South Africa were killed there, which corresponds to a significant pressure on the population. Although statistics show a decline in poaching compared to earlier years, experts warn that the long history of poaching could impair the reproduction rates of the animals. Robert Kless, Head of IFAW in Germany, expressed concern about the continuing pressure on the Nashorns in the Krügerpark reports

The entire rhino population in the Krugerpark has decreased by around 66 to 70 percent in the past ten years. This development has dramatic consequences for biodiversity in the region and the ecosystem dynamics. Nevertheless, there are hopes that the stocks in Africa can stabilize. According to the IUCN, the numbers of the freely living black and white rhinos have risen, which is considered a positive sign. 6,487 Black rhinos are now known, which corresponds to an increase of 4.2%, and the white rhinos even increased by 5.6% with 16,803 copies Research and knowledge determined .

future challenges

The possibility that rhino populations can continue to grow in the future depends on whether effective protective measures are launched to ensure their habitats. Innovative approaches and increased cooperation with local communities resources could represent significant steps to secure the rhino populations. A long -term project to relocate and release 2,000 rhinos is being planned. It is recommended to build on the latest positive trends to promote the diversity and well -being of these majestic animals.