Botswana: refuge for South Africa�s rhino :: Mmegi Online

Botswana is to become new home to dozens of rhinoceros from South Africa following the country’s decision to evacuate hundreds of the animals from its flagship reserve, Kruger National Park to safer places within South Africa and other countries with robust conservation systems.

In a recent story about the translocation, City Press quotes South Africa’s Environmental Affairs Minister, Edna Molewa, as confirming her country’s intent.

“South Africa is considering a range of rhino strongholds, inclusive of national parks, provincial reserves, communal areas and private reserves…Part of the translocation will include the Southern African Development Community…We have already started discussions with Botswana, we are working with Zambia, we are working with other countries, but more intensely those two in particular,” she said. The paper also quotes South African National Parks’ large mammal ecologist Sam Ferreira as saying up to 500 rhino could be evacuated.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.