SA takes new measures to protect endangered rhinos

Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) - The South African government has tightened rules on rhino hunting and will use micro-chips and DNA profiling to counter the scourge of poaching which has left 171 of these animals dead so far this year, government officials said Tuesday.

Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa said hunters would only be allowed to kill one white rhino per year.

In addition, she said all rhinos that are sold must be fitted with a micro-chip in the left shoulder and in both of their two horns, and that any horns removed legally for trophies or found through natural death must also have a chip.

Meanwhile, 'Operation Rhino', which began recently, has resulted in the deployment of 60 troops along the Kruher National Parks borders with Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
-0- PANA CU/SEG 17April2012