Complex reasons for poaching
The minister maintained the moratorium was a
legitimate and rational conservation measure based
on extensive and wide consultation.
“For example, in 2008 before the moratorium was
imposed, the numbers of rhinos poached were just
below 100, in 2009 between 100 and 200, in 2010 just
below 400, in 2011 just below 500.”
Molewa conceded that the ban might be considered
as one of the factors contributing to increased rhino
poaching, but said there were other complex reasons
involved.
The updated report on behalf of Hume is as follows:
In 2012 the number of rhino poached was just above
600 in 2013 about 1 000 and about 1 200 in 2014.
This included dwindling rhino populations in
neighbouring countries, which made South Africa
an attractive destination and improved economic
conditions in Asia, which meant more people could
afford to buy rhino horn, leading to increased
demand.
She pointed out that the moratorium was put in place
because the domestic market and real permits were
being used to smuggle rhino horn out of the country,
which was easy where stockpiles of rhino horn were
not identified.
The moratorium was kept in place so that the
department co [