STRICTER MOVEMENT CONTROL IN KNP FOR THE WELFARE OF RHINO

STRICTER MOVEMENT CONTROL IN KNP FOR THE WELFARE OF RHINO

Kruger National Park (KNP) has installed three boom gates on access roads north of the Sabie River; into an area designated as Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ). The IPZ is a portion where a combination of resources and technology which provide a more secure environment for the rhino in the Park, have been intensified. The boom gates are meant to control night movement of people in order to minimize risk factors associated with late travelling between sunset and sunrise.

The boom gates will be manned by the Rangers and will be operational effectively from Friday, June 5, 2015. The IPZ barriers are found on: H1-2 road north-east of the Sand River low water bridge, H12 road – on the Sabie high level bridge and on H10 between Lower Sabie and Tshokwane.

“We are continuously taking steps to increase security in the Park in our quest to continue to provide security for our rhino which is severely under attack by poachers. Restrictions at these areas will allow us to closely monitor the movements associated with nightfall;” said the KNP’s General Manager: Communications and Marketing, William Mabasa.

Part of the IPZ’s long term plan is to also improve fencing on both western and eastern borders; which will include fixed obstacles. “These strategies are expected to improve on assessment in terms of surveillance, early warning and detection” concluded Mabasa.