The endangered rhino population in Namibia saw a significant rise in rhino poaching last year, with 87 rhinos poached compared to 45 in 2021, according to official government data. The Southern African country is home to the only free-roaming black rhinos left in the world and also accounts for a third of the world’s remaining black rhinos.
Rhino horn, made of the same material as rhino hair and fingernails, is highly sought after in East Asia as a supposed medicine and as jewelry, leading to a significant decrease in Africa’s rhino population over the years. Rhino poaching has become a serious concern for Namibia, with Etosha National Park being identified as a hotspot for the illegal activity.
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism, along with law enforcement officials, have stepped up efforts to combat wildlife crime in the park, as part of the ongoing anti-poaching programs aimed at protecting the rhino population.
While the number of rhinos affected by poaching in Namibia has increased, elephant poaching has declined, with only four elephants poached last year. The most endangered species is the black rhino, with a current estimated population of just over 5,000.
The Save the Rhino Trust estimates that there are about 200 free-roaming black rhinos in Namibia, primarily located in the northeast of the country. It is crucial that authorities continue to implement anti-poaching measures to protect these precious animals and preserve their populations for future generations.
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