South Africa, home to the world’s largest rhino population, continues to grapple with the persistent threat of poaching. In 2024, the country recorded a 16% decrease in rhino poaching incidents, with 420 rhinos killed compared to 499 in 2023. Despite this decline, the figures remain alarmingly high, underscoring the ongoing challenges in rhino conservation.
Of the 420 rhinos poached in 2024, 320 were killed on state-owned properties, while 100 were targeted on privately owned parks, reserves, or farms. KwaZulu-Natal province was the hardest hit, accounting for 232 rhino deaths. However, this represented a significant reduction from the 325 rhinos poached in the province in 2023. The decline is largely attributed to the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s Dehorning Programme, implemented in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Funded by the World Wide Fund for Nature, the programme led to a sharp drop in monthly poaching numbers, with incidents plummeting from 35 in April to fewer than 10 per month between May and September.
Despite these efforts, poaching syndicates adapted their methods in October, beginning to target dehorned rhinos. This change resulted in a brief spike in poaching activity, with 27 rhinos lost in that month alone. Nevertheless, anti-poaching teams responded swiftly, and a collaborative effort from provincial authorities led to a 67% decrease in rhino poaching over an eight-month period.
Kruger National Park, one of the country’s primary rhino hotspots, reported 88 poached rhinos for 2024—an increase from 78 in 2023. The rise in poaching was particularly concerning during December 2024 and January 2025, with 38 rhinos killed in just two months. This escalation has raised alarm bells within the conservation community.
In response to the ongoing crisis, authorities have intensified efforts to combat poaching. Measures include polygraph testing of staff in poaching hotspots like Kruger and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi parks, as part of the Integrity Management Plan. Investigations stemming from these tests have led to disciplinary actions against some employees. Additionally, cooperation with various stakeholders has helped alert customs and law enforcement officials in transit and destination countries to the illegal trade in rhino horns.
South Africa is implementing the National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking, working closely with authorities in transit and destination countries to curb rhino poaching. The government remains committed to the fight against rhino poaching and believes that a renewed strengthening of agreements and operational protocols with key countries should be a focus for 2025.
While the decrease in poaching numbers is encouraging, the continued losses underscore the urgent need for ongoing conservation enforcement and international collaboration to protect these endangered animals. The battle against rhino poaching is far from over, and sustained efforts are essential to ensure the survival of these iconic creatures.
