WINDHOEK, July 4 — Namibia is grappling with an increase in wildlife-related criminal activities such as rhinoceros and pangolin poaching, said Pohamba Shifeta, minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Wednesday.
“Criminal activities related to wildlife and other natural resources are expanding and escalating, despite concerted countermeasures. This is true for Namibia, as well as globally,” Shifeta said when speaking at the 2024 National Stakeholder Forum on Wildlife Protection and Law Enforcement.
According to Shifeta, 83 rhinoceros were poached in 2023, up from 79 in 2022, while pangolin seizures sharply increased with over 70 cases recorded last year following a significant decline in the previous year.
He noted that understanding the key drivers of pangolin trafficking remains a challenge, with ongoing efforts to gain greater insight into the illicit trade.
Shifeta said that Namibia’s elephant population has seen steady growth with minimal poaching incidents in the past year, in contrast to neighboring countries. However, the illicit ivory trade remains a serious threat, evidenced by the seizure of 102 tusks during the reporting period.
“Namibia, particularly the northeast regions, remains a significant transit point for traffickers. However, we remain committed to countering this trade regardless of the source country of the ivory,” Shifeta added.
In 2023, Namibia registered 389 wildlife-related crime cases, leading to the detainment of 654 suspects, with 96 wildlife crime court cases finalized.
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