Rhino Killings Reach Record Highs

[Omaha Steve]

An unprecedented number of rhinos have been killed in South Africa so far in 2012. In 10 months, 488 rhinos were poached—already surpassing the 448 killed in all of 2011. AWF is taking extensive measures to combat rhino poaching and other wildlife-related crimes. Most recently, we convened a judicial luncheon with Kenya Wildlife Service to discuss the need for harsher penalties for illegal wildlife trafficking. The event attracted some of Kenya’s most well-respected legal minds, who agreed on some initial approaches for enhancing the prosecution of illegal wildlife crimes.

http://awf.org/content/headline/detail/4607

Strategies to Deter Crimes, Such as Poaching, Discussed at Judicial Luncheon Convened by African Wildlife Foundation and Kenya Wildlife Service

NAIROBI, KENYA – Top legal minds came together at a judicial discussion surrounding the need to enforce harsher penalties for wildlife-related crimes. Convened by African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the comprehensive discussion focused on the successful prosecution of illegal wildlife trafficking, with the goal of effecting more meaningful deterrents. The event was well attended by individuals from top law firms, as well as representatives from state law offices and the judiciary.

“Africa is experiencing an unparalleled surge in wildlife crime that seriously threatens the continued survival of key species and the associated benefits, such as tourism,” said Helen Gichohi, president of African Wildlife Foundation.

The entry of organized crime syndicates into the illegal wildlife trade, most notably of rhino horn and elephant ivory, has created a crisis situation in many African countries. These syndicates have employed cutting-edge technologies and sophisticated methods to poach, then illegally traffic, wildlife parts off the continent, making wildlife protection difficult, dangerous, and expensive. The situation calls for a united approach that will not only facilitate the capture of those involved in wildlife crime, but also enhance prosecution of the illegal killing and trafficking of wildlife.

FULL story at link.


Successfully Prosecuting Illegal Wildlife Trafficking Luncheon. Photo by Noor Khamis