This article is from the source 'independent' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/south-africa-arrests-two-men-with-41kg-of-rhinohorn-in-antipoaching-operation-9833849.html
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
South Africa arrests two men with 41kg of rhino-horn in anti-poaching operation | South Africa arrests two men with 41kg of rhino-horn in anti-poaching operation |
(35 minutes later) | |
Two Vietnamese men have been arrested in South Africa after they were found in possession of 41 kg of rhino horns, the largest amount ever seized the country. | Two Vietnamese men have been arrested in South Africa after they were found in possession of 41 kg of rhino horns, the largest amount ever seized the country. |
The two men, their haul believed to originate from South African parks, were due to fly to Hanoi from the capital of neighbouring Mozambique but were arrested during a stop-over in Johannesberg, according to a police statement. | The two men, their haul believed to originate from South African parks, were due to fly to Hanoi from the capital of neighbouring Mozambique but were arrested during a stop-over in Johannesberg, according to a police statement. |
Rhino populations across the southern African continent are being decimated by poaching. | Rhino populations across the southern African continent are being decimated by poaching. |
Over 1,000 rhinos were killed in South Africa in 2013, its worst ever year for poaching. It has been nearly as bad these past 12 months, with 933 rhinos killed. | Over 1,000 rhinos were killed in South Africa in 2013, its worst ever year for poaching. It has been nearly as bad these past 12 months, with 933 rhinos killed. |
The country is home to an estimated 20,000 rhinos, more than anywhere else. | The country is home to an estimated 20,000 rhinos, more than anywhere else. |
Last month the death of a northern white rhino in Kenya left the species on the verge of extinction, with only six left in the world. | |
Wildlife campaigners from Action4Elephants said it is possible that rhinos and elephants could become extinct in the next 20 years if the poaching trade is not effectively cracked down on. | Wildlife campaigners from Action4Elephants said it is possible that rhinos and elephants could become extinct in the next 20 years if the poaching trade is not effectively cracked down on. |
Like the men arrested in Johannesberg, many of those in the trade come from Asia, particularly Vietnam, where it is believed that the horns can be used for medicinal purposes - treating diseases such as cancer. | Like the men arrested in Johannesberg, many of those in the trade come from Asia, particularly Vietnam, where it is believed that the horns can be used for medicinal purposes - treating diseases such as cancer. |
Last month a year-long public information initiative in Vietnam claimed to have helped the country's demand for rhino horns by 38 per cent. | Last month a year-long public information initiative in Vietnam claimed to have helped the country's demand for rhino horns by 38 per cent. |
Additional reporting by agencies | Additional reporting by agencies |
Previous version
1
Next version