rhino anti poaching symposium sept. 16, 2014

The Free State Province

Presented by Tshepo MoremiDeputy Director General: Environment & Conservation

THE FREE STATE PROVINCE

Presented by Tshepo Moremi

Deputy Director General: Environment & Conservation

Presentation contains;

• FS Province in relation to South Africa• Problem Statement – background• Steps taken to protect rhino• The anti –poaching teams• Challenges• Questions• Presenter / contact detail

WHERE ARE WE SITUATED.

The Free State Province

The Free State borders on the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, North-West, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng Province and also shares a border with Lesotho.

The biggest part of the Free State is an undulating grass plain at between 1 000 m and 1 500 m.

However, the eastern and southern region, which borders Lesotho, is hilly to mountainous, with scattered flat-topped hills or 'kopjes'.

The Province is encircled by the Vaal River in the north and the Xhariep in the South , with smaller rivers draining the interior

Many Vietnamese did pseudo hunts on private land previously – thus they know where the rhinos are

Private land owners do not yet accept that they are at risk.

Every rhino action that takes place turns out to be a circus – people speak and every body is invited to attend.

No one seems to understand the need to know principle when it comes to where rhino are kept.

THE BACKGROUND TO OUR PROBLEM

WHAT ARE WE DOING TO PROTECT THE RHINO.

Fence lines on all protected areas are cleared of bush and grass, graded and swept once a week – tracks picked up fast when persons climb over fence line.

Observation posts are moved constantly.

Rhino are counted and monitored on a daily basis.

Rhino guards are deployed in the same areas as where the rhino are found.

Camera traps are placed throughout the areas at crucial points.

Rhino guards rely heavily on tracks found.

Reaction plans are in place.

THE ANTI-POACHING TEAMS AND THE OPERATIONAL AREAS.

Fence lines on all protected areas are cleared of bush and grass, graded and swept once a week

THE PRESENT SITUATION

In total there are thus 448 White rhino and 12 Black rhino in the Province.

Largest Government protected area is approximately 24 000 ha and the largest Private ranch is approximately 16 000 ha, thus rhino are in confined spaces making them easy targets for poachers.

To date 17 white rhino have been poached in the province 8 on private land and 9 white rhino on Provincial land of which 2 survived but horns removed.

One poacher fatally wounded on a Protected Area and one arrested.

On private land 5 were arrested for attempted poaching.

TOTAL “DISRESPECT” – DID THIS LEAD TO A COUNTRY’S FALL???

THE THREAT

And when it all goes wrong?

CURRENT INITIATIVES RELATING TO ANTI- RHINO POACHING

Very strong Prov. Joints Operation Rhino initiative.

Very good communication channels between SAPS and DETEA and private land owners as well as Protected Area Managers.

Monthly special operations carried out in areas with rhino – various arrests have been made through these operations.

Very strict permit conditions for hunting and keeping rhino – all rhino related actions attended by officials.

All rhino hunts and translocations attended by officials and DNA taken.

CURRENT INITIATIVES RELATING TO ANTI-RHINO POACHING

All private & government stocks in process of being numbered and DNA taken and taken up into the National Rhino Horn Stockpile – 95% complete.

Regular disruptive operations held with SAPS including Vehicle Control Points (VCP’s)

Regular observation points established in areas where rhino are found.

Ongoing training of personnel, South African Police, Border Police and Rhino Owners.

OUR CHALLENGES

Equipment lacking – no surveillance equipment, no bullet proof vests or flack jackets

Need semi automatic weapons. Lack of Capacity. High age of the rhino guards & limited numbers Air support a serious problem helicopters have

to be hired in when problems arise - reactive Lack of suitable vehicles for the job, limited 4 x 4

vehicles available. Most important -Day/night surveillance equipment

needed Ageing stafff

IN A PERFECT WORLD

To have high tech surveillance equipment 24/7 technology can replace many people

Be able to radio for support

Have vehicles for support to arrive in

Need semi automatic weapons & protective

gear.

Legal support

WHAT YOUR EQUIPMENT SHOULD NOT LOOK LIKE.

Contact detailMr Tshepo MoremiDeputy Director General E-mail: moremit@detea.fs.gov.zaTel: +27(0)51 400 9410 Cell: +27(0)71 624 6524

Thank you