Rhinostudy
Rhino Capture in Kruger National Park
By:
Linda Plummer
Marjorie Landen
Matthew Wood
Shannon Long
Jeffrey Little
SANParks Mission and Strategic Vision
Kruger National Park was established in 1898 to protect the wildlife and habitats of South Africa. The largest of South African National Parks (SANParks), Kruger has been admired worldwide by conservationist, environmentalist, and tourists for its pristine environment and beauty. According to Strickland and Mixon (2010), Kruger has been heralded by many to be a leader in “environmental management, infrastructure, and, of course, biodiversity” (C-407). Although the main purpose for which Kruger National Park (KNP) was created is and remains conservationism, as a result of the park’s mission KNP attracts over a million visitors each year and is regarded as an “icon destination in international tourism” (Merwe & Saayman, 2008, p.154). The motives of tourists visiting KNP, according to Merwe & Saayman (2008), are identified as escape – such as visiting exciting places, and nature –described as to see endangered species. As seen by the tourists of KNP, the park has provided “a place to escape while enjoying the Big 5” (Merwe & Saayman, 2008, p. 158).
Ethical Dilemma
To maintain and protect the environment of the park has required a large operating budget. As of 2010 the dollars necessary to meet the strategic goals of SANParks was well over 5.5 million (Strickland & Mixon, 2010). At the same time the South African government, a large grant provider to the park, began to reduce its funding of the park. As a result, SANParks needed to increase revenue streams to make up for the shortfall in grants provided by the government. One such source of income has been via wildlife sales through the game capture unit of the park.
Originally the game capture unit of Veterinary Wildlife Services (VWS) was established to provide critical support to conservation efforts for rare and threatened species
By:
Linda Plummer
Marjorie Landen
Matthew Wood
Shannon Long
Jeffrey Little
SANParks Mission and Strategic Vision
Kruger National Park was established in 1898 to protect the wildlife and habitats of South Africa. The largest of South African National Parks (SANParks), Kruger has been admired worldwide by conservationist, environmentalist, and tourists for its pristine environment and beauty. According to Strickland and Mixon (2010), Kruger has been heralded by many to be a leader in “environmental management, infrastructure, and, of course, biodiversity” (C-407). Although the main purpose for which Kruger National Park (KNP) was created is and remains conservationism, as a result of the park’s mission KNP attracts over a million visitors each year and is regarded as an “icon destination in international tourism” (Merwe & Saayman, 2008, p.154). The motives of tourists visiting KNP, according to Merwe & Saayman (2008), are identified as escape – such as visiting exciting places, and nature –described as to see endangered species. As seen by the tourists of KNP, the park has provided “a place to escape while enjoying the Big 5” (Merwe & Saayman, 2008, p. 158).
Ethical Dilemma
To maintain and protect the environment of the park has required a large operating budget. As of 2010 the dollars necessary to meet the strategic goals of SANParks was well over 5.5 million (Strickland & Mixon, 2010). At the same time the South African government, a large grant provider to the park, began to reduce its funding of the park. As a result, SANParks needed to increase revenue streams to make up for the shortfall in grants provided by the government. One such source of income has been via wildlife sales through the game capture unit of the park.
Originally the game capture unit of Veterinary Wildlife Services (VWS) was established to provide critical support to conservation efforts for rare and threatened species
References: Rhino horn use: Fact vs. fiction. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/rhinoceros/rhino-horn-use-fact-vs-fiction/1178/ Bryson, D. (2012). Vietnam craves rhino horn; costs more than cocaine. Retrieved from http://news.yahoo.com/vietnam-craves-rhino-horn-costs-more-cocaine-062134928.html