Rhinos in South Africa are to get some extra protection after a horrific 2010 saw more than 400 killed by poachers in the country. According to the environment ministry, an additional 150 rangers are to be hired for the Kruger national park in an effort to battle against poachers. The move comes less than a week after 8 dead rhino were discovered in one day by park rangers. Half of the 448 rhinos killed in South Africa last year took place in the Kruger national park. A 150 kilometer electric fence will also be erected along the border of Mozambique, where many of the poachers are believed to come from. South Africa has been badly hit by poaching because it has the largest population of rhinos in the world, with about 20,000 animals – 70-80 percent of the global figure. The number of rhinos slaughtered in 2010 was 333. In Asia, and especially Vietnam, the rhino horn is thought to be a remedy for a number of diseases including cancer. “The rise in the number of rhinos being killed by poachers is a direct result of the demand in Southeast Asia and the Middle East,” ranger Mario Tuyunbi told Bikyamasr.com on Wednesday. In the Middle East, the horns are largely used as handles for swords and daggers. Environment Minister Edna Molewa announced the extra rangers at a press conference in the country, saying it will boost the number to 650 in Kruger – one of South Africa's top tourist destinations. A government-commissioned study into whether legalizing trade in rhino horn could help to bring down poaching is due to be released in August. BM ShortURL: http://goo.gl/xG1Jw Tags: Kruger National Park, Rhinos, South Africa Section: Animals, Environment, Going Green, Latest News, Southern Africa
