S. Africa sells endangered rhinos to private owners

Selling endangered rhinos from state-owned reserves to private owners will become a common practice in efforts to protect the animals from poaching, a cabinet minister indicated on Thursday.

This move is designed to support the development and growth of viable rhino populations on privately owned properties and elsewhere, Minister of Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa said in a report on progress in rhino protection.

Twenty bids were received during the South African National Parks (SANParks) tender process last year for the purchase of white rhinos from the Kruger National Park (KNP), one of Africa's largest game reserve in northeastern South Africa.

Private owners can purchase rhinos, provided acceptable criteria in respect of habitat and security are met, Molewa said.

Security and habitat suitability assessments are to be carried out following site inspections at the properties owned by the leading bidders, she said.

Proceeds from the sale of rhinos will be allocated to a ring- fenced fund that will be ploughed into conservation projects, including rhino conservation, according to the minister. Endi