A rhino was killed by poachers last Tuesday evening at Kariega Game Reserve. This is the fourth poaching incident in the Eastern Cape in the past nine months, with rhinos being shot at the Shamwari, Lalibela, and Kwantu game reserves.
A rhino was killed by poachers last Tuesday evening at Kariega Game Reserve. This is the fourth poaching incident in the Eastern Cape in the past nine months, with rhinos being shot at the Shamwari, Lalibela, and Kwantu game reserves.
According to Mark Rushmere, whose family owns the Kariega reserve, this is the first poaching incident at Kariega since it opened 20 years ago.
When the rhino was found, its horn had been cut off. It is unclear whether the animal was shot or darted. The body has been taken to Shamwari for an autopsy and it is believed the results will be known within the week.
There have been reports that the poachers shot the animal from a helicopter but this cannot be confirmed. According to Rushmere however, unmarked helicopters have been reported flying over the reserve over the last few weeks.
With 9 000 hectres of reserve, Rushmere says it is difficult to patrol the land but that they are currently discussing measures to prevent another poaching incident from taking place.
