Where It All Began

Rhino poachers eaten by lions

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I’m sure many of you have heard about the rhino poachers who got eaten (yes, that’s right, eaten) by lions at Sibuya Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape this week.

Now you may find this a rather harsh thing to say, but considering that it’s poachers that got eaten and not rangers, frankly, after the decimation of Africa’s rhino population and elephant population (and for that matter rangers themselves) by highly-financed, well organised poaching teams, we’re quite glad that for once, the boot is on the other foot.

A few years ago, poaching was something that was limited to local people living near reserves breaking in and hunting for food, or for food to sell. These days, the poachers are akin to small armies with expensive 4x4s, drones, radar and automatic weapons. So the rangers spend most of their time just trying to keep up with these guys and in many cases become utterly despondent when they find out what they are up against.

Another way of looking at it is the sad truth that most poachers are still highly marginalised individuals who are replaceable in a heart-beat by the big money that wants the rhino horn and ivory. So this is a tale of exploitation that stretches very far and very deep.

As visitors to South Africa, you’re not in any way under threat from poachers (the last thing they want is to be seen so they will stay well away from you) but you will see increased security at Sibuya and Amakhala after this incident. That will most likely take the form of more rangers with more weaponry but it will not interfere with your trip.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-44728507