Rhino poachers back after South Africa eases lockdown restrictions

South Africa began easing international travel restrictions in November. [Reuters]

Rhino Poaching is on the rise again in South Africa since the government loosened Coronavirus restrictions, following a year-long lull due to the pandemic, wildlife parks say.

The strict limits on travel, including international travel, imposed in March last year had the happy side effect of keeping poachers at bay. In 2020, 394 rhinos were poached, 30 per cent fewer than the year before and the lowest yearly tally since 2011.