Army called in to stop rhino poaching

[genetic]

Source: http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Army-called-in-to-stop-rhino-poaching-20101115


Johannesburg - The SA National Parks has urgently requested that the SA National Defence Force be brought in to help stop rhino poaching, Defence Minister Lindiwe Sisulu said on Monday.

"Rhino poaching is a crime we will have to stop immediately, it is cruel and brutal, SANParks has requested us to assist urgently."

"The SANDF has some of the best air to land equipment to perform this function. Denel (manufacturer of defence equipment) also boasts some of the best air equipment that can help us to stop the poaching. We are working on this matter, it is urgent," she said in a statement.

Sisulu said the SANDF was finalising the details to ensure that it would be ready to help.

At least 210 rhinos have been killed for their horns since the beginning of this year - up from a total of 122 poached last year.

Black-market demand for rhino horn has risen sharply as economic growth has spread through Asia, where the horn is believed to have medicinal properties.



If I were the defence minister, I'd give the army full carte blanch to shoot any poachers on site!

[theratman]

The problem is alot of poaching takes place on private property...I say they should make a law that ANYONE can shoot a bugger with a rhino horn in his hand :)

[R13...]

The same army that does brisk business with foreigners when in charge of patrolling the borders?

[<?php?>]

In this day and age, how can one of the most inteligent races on earth, still believe that rhino horn dust makes you bigger!

[theratman]

In this day and age, how can one of the most inteligent races on earth, still believe that rhino horn dust makes you bigger!

It what!?!?!

/Gets out rifle,looks for rhinos in the middle of cape town.

[Lounger]

In this day and age, how can one of the most inteligent races on earth, still believe that rhino horn dust makes you bigger!

Probably because it does. Though there are plenty of substitutes available.

[HapticSimian]

/gazes into crystal ball at future news headline:

Wounds inflicted with automatic rifle indicate military involvement in latest rhino poaching

Yes, I'm sceptical of the army's worth in this endeavour.

edit


Probably because it does. Though there are plenty of substitutes available.

Yeah. Like chewing your nails. :rolleyes:

[<?php?>]

Probably because it does. Though there are plenty of substitutes available.

How is it possible? Isn't the horn just skin and hair?

I think it’s all in the mind, like Sangoma's, Witchcraft, Power Bracelet etc.

I’ve read an article on the rock monitors in South Africa, according to the article some local tribes believe you get strong by drinking it’s blood.

[Nerfherder]

In this day and age, how can one of the most inteligent races on earth, still believe that rhino horn dust makes you bigger!

Its a common misconception, they don't believe that. They believe that it has medicinal properties, to make things worse their Minister of health made a statment that they have proof that it does.