Graphic charts rise in poached Rhinos in South Africa – mostly in Kruger National Park.
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ENVIRONMENT

Rhino killing up after Covid curbs end

By Jordi Bou

August 2, 2021 - Rhino poaching in South Africa rose by 50% in the first half of 2021 compared to a year earlier when poaching plummeted due to COVID-19 restrictions

At least 249 rhinos were killed the first six months of this year in South Africa, the environment minister said, partly pushed by the easing of lockdown curbs that increased movement of poachers.

The figure represents 83 more rhino killings compared with the same period in 2020

As usual, killings have been particularly rife in Kruger National Park, where 132 of the animals were killed from January to end of June.

South Africa is home to around 20,000 white rhinos – more than 90% of the world’s population.

Rhinos are killed for their horns, highly prized across Asia for traditional and medicinal purposes.

Usually sold in powdered form, rhino horn is composed mainly of keratin, the same substance as in human fingernails.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 02/08/2021; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Newscom
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