Costly poaching in WC highlights importance of World Ranger Day

The DA in the Western Cape, has expressed sincere gratitude to the rangers of our reserves and national parks ahead of World Ranger Day tomorrow. Rangers play an incredibly important role in preserving our environment for future generations, and often do so in the face of harsh conditions when confronted by illegal poaching.

MPP Andricus van der Westhuizen says: “Rangers willingly perform selfless acts of duty by risking their lives on a daily basis in order to safeguard our natural environment from widespread crime syndicate operations.

South Africa is home to many of the world’s most biodiverse habitats. In the Western Cape in particular, we are endowed with extensive wildlife, rich coastlines, and unique vegetation. This biodiversity has not only supported the animal and plants living in these environments, but have also provided livelihoods to many residents within our communities.

The Western Cape, for many years now, has seen intensification of abalone poaching, particularly in the Southern regions of the province. Just in May, two individuals were arrested by the police for the illegal possession of 23 896 dried abalone on the N7, close to Philadelphia. This is one example of the estimated 2 500 tonnes of abalone which is poached on an annual basis, surpassing the 2 000 tonnes commercially farmed in that timeframe.

Unfortunately, of late, our province has seen increased levels of poaching activity that have evolved to encompass more of our precious biodiversity. CapeNature has reported that within a six-month period, 11 cases of succulent poaching have been registered. It is believed that these syndicates are responsible for damages valued at R15 million.

For this reason, I will be convening a meeting in which the Standing Committee will be briefed by the relevant stakeholders as to what measures are currently being formalised to help mitigate and prevent poaching – whether it be abalone, succulents or otherwise – from occurring. Additionally, I shall pose to the committee the need for our rangers to be recognised for their dutiful service in the face of great danger.”

Many of these plants and wildlife are endemic to the Western Cape. As such, we cannot allow for criminals to brazenly conduct their illegal activities and threaten the biodiversity upon which we rely.

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