Latest rhino poaching report reveals progress and persistent threats in South Africa

The latest rhino poaching report has revealed a decrease in poaching numbers in South Africa, but concerns remain as certain areas continue to see escalating poaching activities. 

The report, which outlines the 2024 rhino poaching statistics, highlights a positive downward trend, though the work of the rangers and the continuous battle against poaching syndicates are far from over.

From January to December 2024, 420 rhinos were poached in South Africa, a notable decrease from 499 rhinos lost in 2023. 

Of these, 320 rhinos were killed on state-owned properties, while 100 were poached on privately owned reserves or farms. KwaZulu-Natal, the hardest-hit province, reported 232 rhinos lost, a significant reduction from 325 in 2023. 

Much of this improvement has been credited to the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s Dehorning Programme, which was implemented in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. 

The programme, funded by the World Wide Fund for Nature, 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.

However, 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. 

Despite this setback, 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.

Efforts to combat these crimes include polygraph testing for staff at Kruger National Park as part of an Integrity Management Plan, with investigations revealing links between failed polygraph tests and the surge in poaching. 

Other initiatives include strengthening partnerships with law enforcement, both locally and internationally, to curb the illegal trafficking of rhino horns. As poaching syndicates continue to operate across borders, there is a growing emphasis on global cooperation to combat wildlife trafficking.

In a recent victory for anti-poaching efforts, Dr. Dion George, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, welcomed the 30-year prison sentence handed to 38-year-old Mozambican national Silas Mathebula for his involvement in the illegal killing of three rhinos in Kruger National Park on November 23, 2019.

 Mathebula was convicted on multiple charges, including trespassing, conspiracy, and possession of illegal firearms, after rangers discovered a rifle, six fresh rhino horns, and ammunition in the vehicle he was in. 

The strong evidence, including DNA and ballistic analysis, presented by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), led to his conviction.

“We continue to see positive convictions in rhino-related cases,” said a spokesperson from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment. 

“While lengthy court procedures remain a challenge, the sentencing of individuals like Francis Kipampa to 18 years in prison for his involvement in rhino poaching sends a strong message. We are targeting all levels of the illegal wildlife trade.”

Weekend Argus