Botswana resumes dehorning to fight rhino poaching

GABORONE,

Botswana's Wildlife Department had embarked on an operation to relocate and dehorn all rhinos to tackle poaching in the country.

According to a statement issued by the department on Monday, the Okavango Delta rhino population had been hard hit with 56 animals reported poached as of May 4.

"Both white rhinos and black rhinos have been severely affected, necessitating the implementation of critical and impactful interventions to arrest the situation," read part of the statement.

In addition, the authorities said the measures include relocation of highly endangered black rhinos, intensification of surveillance and monitoring and dehorning of all rhinos.

"Dehorning entails removal of most of the rhino horn under the guidance of experienced veterinarians. The process is painless and is done as humanely and quickly as possible to limit stress on the animals," read the statement.

The department said the animals will then be monitored to ensure that they fully recover and go about their normal activities. (Xinhua)