Creecy pays tribute to field rangers as

war against rhino poaching sees signs of

improvement

South African National Parks is beginning to win the fight against rhino poaching after years of struggle to combat the crime which was threatening one of the country’s big five.

On Wednesday, environment, forestries and fisheries minister Barbara Creecy released the latest figures as the country celebrated World Ranger Day in Skukuza at the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga.

Creecy said 2018 was the third consecutive year that rhino poaching had decreased, with 769 incidents reported. In the first six months of 2019, 318 rhinos had been poached countrywide, a decline of 68 when compared to the same period last year, she said.

From January to June this year, 122 alleged poachers have been arrested in the Kruger National Park alone. A total of 61 firearms were recovered at the park during this period. Nationally, 253 arrests were made in relation to rhino poaching and trafficking.

“These successes have been achieved through the implementation of the 2014 integrated management plan which combines the use of technology, extensive anti-poaching work as well as the management of the rhino population. It also involves extensive international collaboration across our borders to ensure that rhino poachers are brought to book wherever they hide,” Creecy said.

She said as the country continues to fight rhino poaching, it had to remember the field rangers who work hard to protect plant and animal species.

Unfortunately poaching incidents is also declining since the Rhino numbers has declined dramatically

 

Another great hunt, didn't think I could top the last one, but we did! My son Kyle and I have some nice trophies to show for it. Many thanks to Marco and Ozzy the wonder dog, also the hard working staff. The good Lord willing, we will return again.
Greg,
OR,USA

We had an amazing time. Marco and his crew went above and beyond for us. It was an unforgettable adventure. Hope to be able to come again.
Kyle,
OR,USA

Motsomi,
You have made the impossible, possible for me. This was my second trip with Motsomi and the best one yet. I will, undoubtedly be back for a 3rd, 4th etc. PC, Thank you for putting me on such awesome trophies. Not every shot was “perfect” but you made it seem like they weren’t “that bad”. I cannot wait to come back and hunt with you again, sir. Pieter and Ria, you raised one fine young man and truly “Professional Hunter”. You run an amazing outfit that the whole world should experience. 
PS. Motsomi, Patrick, Jeff, Grace, Juanita, Big – Boy and family, you are all true professionals. Thank you for your cooking and hard work making the hunts and trophy care so successful. I think I gained 15lbs from all of the wonderful food.
Thank you my Motsomi Family!
Cheers, until next time.
Cory,
Ohio, USA

Motsomi Family,
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for making my first SA safari so wonderful. Everyone and everything was top notch.

Tyler,
Ohio, USA

Pieter and Motsomi Family,
This was our 2nd adventure and it was every bit as good as the first. We had such a good experience. This was the 1st time we brought the kids on this trip. This time we had the opportunity to hunt the other two lodges, both of which provided outstanding game selection.
As with our 1st adventure, we asked for nothing and needed for nothing. The staff were always available to take care of all our needs.
The non – hunting activities(elephants, lions and cultural village) were fantastic.
PC was a terrific PH, he worked well with the entire group and was flexible with our schedule. Zander (and Delilah) was a great addition to our team once we got to Nyala Lodge.
We won’t soon forget our 2nd adventure with Motsomi Safaris!
Many thanks,
Chris and Michele,
MD, USA