Rhino hunting laws tightened
The environmental affairs ministry yesterday said hunters applying for licences must provide proof of hunting experience, such as membership of a hunting association, and a passport. The new rules also require South African authorities to consider whether the countries in which foreign applicants live have adequate laws against illegal rhino horn trading.
Last year, a record 448 rhinos were poached in South Africa, and the record will likely be surpassed. The latest government figures show 171 South African rhinos have been poached already this year.