Rhino poaching in Namibia down 63% on tougher policing, penalties

FILE PHOTO: A pair of White Rhinoceros await buyers in pens at the annual auction in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi national park, South Africa, September 18, 2010. REUTERS/Mike Hutchings/File Photo/File Photo

WINDHOEK, Aug 7 (Reuters) - Rhino poaching fell 63% year-on-year in Namibia, the ministry of environment said on Friday, citing intensified intelligence operations by authorities and tougher sentences and fines for poachers.

Elephant poaching, which takes places to a lesser extent, also decreased, with 2 incidents reported this year compared with 13 in 2019, the ministry said.