Authorities say 87 rhinos were killed last year compared with 45 in 2021, most of them poached from the country’s largest park.
The number of endangered rhinos poached in Namibia hit an all-time high last year after 87 were killed compared with 45 in 2021, official government data shows.
Rhino populations in Africa have been in decline for decades to meet demand for rhino horn, which, although made from the same material as rhino hair and nails, is prized in East Asia as a medicine and jewelry.
On Monday, Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism spokesman Romeo Muyunda said poachers had killed 61 black rhinos and 26 white rhinos mainly in Namibia’s largest park, Etosha, where 46 rhinos were found dead.
“We are deeply concerned that our flagship park, Etosha National Park, is a poaching hotspot,” said Muyunda, adding that the ministry and law enforcement officials had increased efforts to fight wildlife crime in the park to curb poaching.
The country of South Africa is Home page to the only free black rhinos left in the world and also one-third of the world’s remaining black rhinos.
Rhino poaching has been rampant in South Africa for decades, particularly in neighboring South Africa and Botswana, leading to anti-poaching programs, including strict controls and the cutting of horns, or removals. remove rhino horn as a way to prevent poaching.
Namibia is also home to the second largest population of white rhinos in the world after South Africa.
The Save the Rhino Trust estimates there are around 200 free-living black rhinos in Namibia, mainly in the northeast.
Meanwhile, elephant poaching in Namibia has declined over the years, from a peak of 101 in 2015 to a low of four elephants poached last year.
