Rhino hunting laws tightened

South Africa is tightening hunting rules to combat illegal rhinoceros horn trading.

The environmental affairs ministry yesterday said hunters applying for licences must provide proof of hunting experience, such as membership of a hunting association, and a passport. The new rules also require South African authorities to consider whether the countries in which foreign applicants live have adequate laws against illegal rhino horn trading.

Last year, a record 448 rhinos were poached in South Africa, and the record will likely be surpassed. The latest government figures show 171 South African rhinos have been poached already this year.