BACKGROUND TO CURRENT ILLEGAL RHINO HUNTING IN SOUTH AFRICA

 Rhino poaching in South Africa continues to escalate. At least 125 rhinos have already been lost to poaching throughout the country this year (compared to 83 in 2008 and 122 in 2009).  It is for this reason that WESSA calls on the entire country to contribute to restoring the safety and wellbeing of one of our most iconic species; the rhinoceros. Even though the current rate of rhino deaths is below the populations replacement rate, WESSA believes that one rhino lost to criminal activity is one rhino too many. The major concern is the exponential increase over the last 4 years. However the last century of conservation has taught us that we cannot sit back on our laurels and think that we are ‘in the clear’.  We trust that authorities are doing everything they can and they must be applauded for the recent arrests of 42 people involved in rhino poaching. But more needs to be done in order to get these criminals into our courts where they will be handed appropriate sentences for brutalizing our natural heritage and stealing from our nation.  

A CALL TO ACTION

WESSA proposes to raise funds and awareness to help curb the current illegal rhino hunting. We intend to raise funds by encouraging people to make a donation through our SMS line by SMSing “Rhino” to 40706
or by making a donation to WESSA with the reference “Rhino”.
Account Name: WESSA National Office
Bank: First National Bank (or FNB)
Branch: Howick
Branch Code: 220725
Account Number: 52530037988
Swift Code: FIRN ZA JJ (For donations originating outside of South Africa)

WESSA’s mission is to have public participate in caring for the Earth. It is in line with this that WESSA believes that civil society is very concerned by the seriousness of the situation and thus would like to create the space for their involvement and a chance to make a difference.

Funds raised from the Rhino Initiative will be used in the following ways:

•     Enabling conservation areas (including private reserves) to increase their overall security by :
  • I.    Building and increasing capacity of existing anti-poaching staff
  • II.    Employing additional trained personnel
  • III.    Provision of anti-poaching resources and technologies
• Seeking alternative and innovative ways to prevent rhinos from being killed illegally
• Supporting investigative efforts that will lead to the apprehension and prosecution of illegal rhino hunters
• Support all other partners fighting for the same cause
• Support any other initiative that WESSA believes will lead to the decrease and/or prevention of illegal rhino killings

WESSA would facilitate the process of involving and supporting all custodians of rhinos, whilst acknowledging the work already being done by the conservation authorities.

 

 

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SMS Terms & Conditions
SMSs cost R20 incl. VAT. Donors agree to receive further information about WESSA and its activities. To opt-out SMS STOP RHINO to 31405. Errors billed. WESSA receives a percentage of funds donated. Full terms and conditions applicable at www.thumbtribe.mobi . WESSA Helpline: +27 33 330 3931 ext. 117.