Staff writer
Only 36 people have been arrested for rhino-related poaching cases this year, compared to 80 last year.
This was revealed by environment minister Pohamba Shifeta as the ministry received a donation of 10 vehicles, park management and law enforcement equipment worth approximately N$ 21.7 million funded by the Integrated National Park Management II (NamParks V & Covid-19 Fund) and Integrated Wildlife Protection (IWPP) projects.
In contrast, 55 rhinos have been poached this year, compared to 44 in 2021. However, thirty-six
Two elephants have been poached so far this year compared to
eight in 2021. In this regard, 58 people have been arrested for elephant-related cases this year, compared to 98 in 2021.
Meanwhile, eight live pangolins have been seized so far this year compared to 21 in 2021, while 24 pangolin skins have been
seized this year compared to 66 skins in 2021. This led to the arrest of 48 suspects in connection with pangolin-related cases this year, compared to 129 in 2021.
“Various approaches have been implemented to curb the onslaught of species such as rhino, elephant and pangolin that are especially sought after by poaching syndicates due to the value of their products. This included the recruitment of additional anti-poaching officials, deployment of vehicles and
construction of patrol camps in critical areas severely affected by poaching,” said Shifeta.
The donated equipment includes water maintenance equipment, camping equipment, wildlife monitoring equipment, predator transport crates, workshop tools, equipment for spatial
monitoring and reporting.
Shifeta said the IT equipment would significantly support efforts to protect wildlife and manage our National Parks efficiently and
effectively.
“This donation comes at a time when the country is recovering from the impact of the Covid-19 global health pandemic. The pandemic subjected our economy to unprecedented pressure, and this did not spare our ministry.”
The embassy of Germany’s head of development cooperation Ulrike Metzger on behalf of the German ambassador to Namibia, Herbert Beck, said that they have been implementing various projects to improve Namibia’s livelihoods and conserve natural resources.
She said their vision is to promote biodiversity conservation via sustainable long-term socio-economic development, which is the key to their successful long-standing partnership.
“Although facing challenges such as poaching in Namibia, rhino populations are growing and prospering,” said Metzger.
She further said that investment in biodiversity conservation and wildlife protection is crucial to Namibia and the Namibian government’s effort to protect Namibian resources for the benefit of all generations, especially the future generation.
