Poaching incidents declining - Shifeta

ELLANIE SMIT



WINDHOEK

Namibia is experiencing a reduction in wildlife poaching incidents, while more arrests have been recorded.

This is according to environment minister Pohamba Shifeta, who gave a breakdown of rhino, elephant and pangolin poaching incidents and arrests dating back to 2018.

This year, 17 rhinos have been poached, compared to 46 last year and 78 in 2018.

A total of 89 suspects has been arrested for rhino poaching cases this year, compared to 175 last year and 109 in 2018.

Shifeta said 15 rhino horns have been seized this year, compared to eight last year and 16 in 2018.

As for elephants, he said two have been poached this year, compared to 13 last year and 27 in 2018.

Elephant, pangolin poaching

Thirty people have been arrested for elephant poaching cases this year, compared to 90 last year and 66 in 2018.

A total of 38 elephant tusks and 16 tusk pieces have been seized this year, compared to 116 last year and 99 in 2018.

Shifeta said three live pangolins have been seized this year, compared to 49 last year and 25 in 2018.

According to him, 35 pangolin skins and 612 scales have been seized this year, compared to 74 skins last year and 61 skins in 2018.

A total of 53 suspects have been arrested in connection with pangolin-related cases this year, compared to 160 in 2019 and 120 in 2018.