Poachers are searching social media sites like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for photos of endangered animals like rhinos and elephants, according to a report on mirror.co.uk.
As a result of geo-tagging features, poachers can work out the location of the animals. Poachers then use helicopters to hone in on the animal for a quick kill.
Rangers at Kruger National Park have told tourists not to give away the animals’ location if they post photos online. However, a wider education program needs to be introduced across the country to ensure it does not happen at other Parks and Reserves.
Everything must be done to save animals from the greedy clutches of poachers. Will you join me in urging South African Tourism to introduce an education program that informs tourists that geo-tagging of endangered species is banned on social media. This could be communicated via immigration cards, airport brochures and advertising, and via tourism marketing collateral. Please sign and share the petition.
