Poaching escalates at Kruger National Park
Nomazulu Moyo
LIMPOPO, South Africa – In the face of escalating poaching incidents, the Kruger National Park’s Northern Region, under the vigilant watch of Regional Ranger Don English, is confronting a dire conservation crisis. Poachers, hailing from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and within South Africa, are deploying snares and lethal agricultural poisons, indiscriminately decimating wildlife populations. The vulture species, a crucial part of the ecosystem, has been particularly affected, with a staggering 2 000 deaths contributing to a rapid decline in their numbers.
The motives behind this onslaught are predominantly commercial, with some methods specifically targeting vultures, authorities have said. However, cross-border collaborations with neighboring countries are yielding positive outcomes. Mozambique’s adoption of similar anti-poaching techniques has been notably effective.
Community engagement has emerged as a pivotal strategy in the fight against poaching. According to Don English, partnerships with local communities and law enforcement have been instrumental in mitigating these illegal activities, particularly around the park’s periphery.
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In a bid to foster goodwill and support, the park has initiated community-centric programs. Ike Phaahla, Kruger National Spokesperson highlights initiatives such as discounts for children, sustainable harvesting of mopane worms and thatch, and the innovative pepper bark project.
Richard Sowry, Section Ranger at Pafuri, said the materials used for snares were often sourced from the park’s boundary fences or purchased from building warehouses. The past year saw the removal of 3,350 snares and the unfortunate demise of 230 animals—a testament to the relentless efforts of rangers to protect the park’s inhabitants.
The Kruger National Park continues to stand as a bastion of biodiversity, its guardians unwavering in their commitment to conservation amidst the challenges posed by poaching