Preventing poaching : innovative strategies in the fight against wildlife crime

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore possible innovative law and policy strategies to address and ultimately prevent rhino poaching in South Africa. It is evident from the available research that a magnitude of anti-poaching efforts is available to address wildlife crime, ranging from the use of technology to conservation husbandry. However, despite the Skukuza court having a 99% conviction rate for poaching cases, statistics show that poaching continues unabated. The reason for this is that so-called ‘foot soldiers’ (who are easily replaceable) are the ones being sentenced and imprisoned, instead of the masterminds behind the organised crime networks. The illegal trade in wildlife will keep rhinos on the brink of extinction if we fail to find proper strategies to address the key driving forces behind poaching, namely inadequate law enforcement, legal uncertainty around property rights, and human-wildlife conflict. There is also a great need for the disruption of organised crime and strategies to address past and present social injustices against communities that are vital in the fight against wildlife crime.