- Rhino poaching dropped significantly in May and June this year, compared to the year before.
- The dehorning of over 1 000 rhinos in KwaZulu-Natal has helped save their lives.
- For the first half of the year, 229 rhinos were poached, compared to 231 for the same period last year.
- For climate change news and analysis, go to News24 Climate Future.
Rhino poaching in KwaZulu-Natal dropped significantly in the months of May and June, compared to the year before, according to Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Minister Dion George.
This is mainly due to the dehorning of more than 1 000 rhinos in KwaZulu-Natal since April, the minister said.
"A significant drop was noted during May and June this year with national losses reported at 21 and 22, respectively," he said in a statement.
In May and June 2023, poaching figures were 42 and 34, respectively.
"This reduced loss is thought to be attributable to the dehorning of rhino populations in KwaZulu-Natal and specifically in Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park where over 1 000 rhinos have been dehorned since April 2024," the minister added.
For the first six months of the year, 229 rhinos were poached nationally - only slightly lower than the 231 recorded for the same period last year. Most (191) were killed on state properties, and 38 on privately owned reserves, parks and farms. At the Kruger National Park, 45 rhinos were poached in the first half of the year, compared to 42 recorded in 2023.
At the end of 2023, South Africa recorded 16 056 rhinos, up from the 2021 estimated 15 024.
Rhinos are killed for their horns, which are sold illegally in Southeast Asia. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) and the Hawks have participated in several regional and transnational engagements to address wildlife trafficking, the minister said.
READ | SEE | This KZN nature reserve fights rhino poaching with the help of communities and canines
Government also partners with private game reserves and other stakeholders, including NGOs and communities, to protect rhinos through various programmes.
For example, the Kruger National park is implementing a Rhino Conservation Plan which aims to protect rhinos through dehorning, training rangers and various other technologies.
Babanango Game Reserve in Zululand works with communities who share information to help fight criminals, along with using Belgian Malinois dogs to track and attack poachers.
When it comes to law enforcement, over 60 suspects have been arrested in relation to rhino poaching and trafficking. In the past six months, several suspects were convicted and sentenced to prison.
But cases are not without their challenges.
This week, News24 reported that two witnesses meant to testify against a rhino poaching syndicate were killed.
The DFFE is finalising the consultative process for the revised Biodiversity Management Plan for black and white rhinos.
"All comments from the consultative process, which included over 700 individuals, will be processed and synthesised to revise the draft plan before the end of 2024," said George.
George previously told News24 one of his goals during his term as minister is to have rhino poaching reduced. He intends to also establish a conservation fund.
