Pregnant rhino poached The carcass of a pregnant rhino cow was discovered last week on a lodge near Omararu, bringing the total number of rhinos that have been poached this year to 17.
The carcass was found on Saturday by a farmworker at Epako Safari Game Lodge near Omaruru.
According to Deputy Commissioner Erastus Iikuyu, Nampol, regional crime investigations coordinator for the police in Erongo, the carcass was found with both horns removed.
“We suspect the animal was shot four or five days ago by poachers, looking at the footprints at the scene. The carcass was found about three kilometres from the lodge by farmworkers,” said Iikuyu.
The value of the rhino and her horns is estimated to be more than N$600 000. According to Iikuyu nobody has been arrested.
“Members of the public are asked to provide the police with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects. The investigation is ongoing,” he said.
A case of hunting specially protected wildlife and the removing of specially protected wildlife parts has been opened.
This poaching follows shortly after eight rhino carcasses were recently discovered in Etosha National Park of which seven were poached.
The total of rhinos poached this year is 17 thus while 16 elephants have been poached to date.
Altogether 59 rhinos in the country were poached last year and 95 rhinos in 2015, 56 in 2014 and nine in 2013.
Any person who provides the ministry or other relevant authorities with information leading to the successful arrest and prosecution of a suspect involved with rhino poaching will be rewarded with N$60 000.
Jessica Botes
The carcass was found on Saturday by a farmworker at Epako Safari Game Lodge near Omaruru.
According to Deputy Commissioner Erastus Iikuyu, Nampol, regional crime investigations coordinator for the police in Erongo, the carcass was found with both horns removed.
“We suspect the animal was shot four or five days ago by poachers, looking at the footprints at the scene. The carcass was found about three kilometres from the lodge by farmworkers,” said Iikuyu.
The value of the rhino and her horns is estimated to be more than N$600 000. According to Iikuyu nobody has been arrested.
“Members of the public are asked to provide the police with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects. The investigation is ongoing,” he said.
A case of hunting specially protected wildlife and the removing of specially protected wildlife parts has been opened.
This poaching follows shortly after eight rhino carcasses were recently discovered in Etosha National Park of which seven were poached.
The total of rhinos poached this year is 17 thus while 16 elephants have been poached to date.
Altogether 59 rhinos in the country were poached last year and 95 rhinos in 2015, 56 in 2014 and nine in 2013.
Any person who provides the ministry or other relevant authorities with information leading to the successful arrest and prosecution of a suspect involved with rhino poaching will be rewarded with N$60 000.
Jessica Botes