Preserving Rhinos: Poaching Declines In South Africa Due To Conservation Efforts & Dehorning

In the first half of 2024, a heartbreaking total of 229 rhinos fell victim to poaching in South Africa, a slight decrease from the 231 killed during the same period in the previous year. Of the devastating total, a staggering 191 of these majestic creatures were mercilessly slaughtered on state properties, while the remaining 38 met the same tragic fate on privately owned parks, reserves, or farms.

“The 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,” said the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Dr. Dion George. 

From January to June 2024, the number of rhinos lost to poaching in Kruger National Park (KNP) increased to 45, compared to 42 during the same period in 2023. Despite this troubling trend, KNP is steadfast in its commitment to the conservation and protection of rhinos through the implementation of its Rhino Conservation Plan. This comprehensive plan includes measures such as guarding and protecting rhinos in core areas, utilizing cutting-edge technologies, dehorning rhinos to deter poachers, and implementing innovative biological management strategies.

By the end of 2023, South Africa’s rhino population totaled 16,056, including 2,065 black rhinos and 13,991 white rhinos, showing a significant increase from the 2021 numbers of 2,056 black rhinos and 12,968 white rhinos. Despite the challenges posed by poaching, affecting 2.9% of rhinos in 2022 and 3.2% in 2023, the population grew by 1,032 rhinos between 2021 and 2023. Most importantly, the poaching rates remained below the critical threshold of 3.5% needed to cause a decline in the rhino population. This data underscores the resilience of the rhino population and the effectiveness of conservation measures in preserving these majestic animals.

Kruger National Park (KNP) is further strengthening its governance and integrity with the implementation of the KNP Integrity Management Plan. This plan is dedicated to upholding staff integrity through various initiatives, including rigorous Field Ranger Selection and Training processes, Polygraph Testing to ensure trustworthiness, Wellness programs for staff well-being, Financial Literacy Training for sound financial management, and Skills Development programs to enhance professional capabilities.

The Year 1 targets of the National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking (NISCWT) are being effectively executed, marking a positive step in combating this illicit activity. The strategy emphasizes fostering collaboration between the government and the private sector, with oversight provided by the NATJOINTS Priority Committee on Wildlife Trafficking. This coordinated approach ensures enhanced cooperation, data sharing, and enforcement efforts to combat wildlife trafficking, reflecting a united front in safeguarding endangered species and biodiversity.

During the reporting period, law enforcement authorities have made substantial strides in combating rhino poaching and rhino horn trafficking. Over 60 suspects have been arrested, and 20 heavy-caliber firearms have been recovered in connection to these illegal activities.

The collaborative efforts of SAPS Stock Theft & Endangered Species Unit, Environmental Management Inspectors (EMIs) from national and provincial conservation agencies, the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI), and private security teams in successful joint operations and investigations deserve commendation for their ongoing dedication and effectiveness. This coordinated approach involving multiple agencies and stakeholders plays a crucial role in combating wildlife crime, including rhino poaching and trafficking.

The following successful convictions were received in the past six months:

Two rhino horn traffickers were sentenced to 18 years in prison, of which six years were suspended for five years in the Ermelo regional court on July 1st, 2024. This ruling followed the arrest of the two traffickers in December 2022 for possession of four rhino horns.

On appeal, the conviction and sentence of three Botswana nationals were confirmed. They entered the country illegally and were convicted of one count of murder after one of their accomplices was killed during a confrontation on a farm. They were also convicted of illegal possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition, illegal entry into the country, and hunting a rhino without a permit. They were sentenced to 36 years in prison, effectively serving 25 years.

In the Skukuza court, an accused was sentenced to 35 years in prison for trespassing, hunting one rhino, possessing a prohibited firearm, possessing an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, possessing a dangerous weapon, and conspiring to commit an offense. In a separate case, another accused was sentenced to 26 years in prison on similar charges.

In the Free State, three accused were convicted of conspiring to hunt a rhino and were sentenced to five years of direct imprisonment. Additionally, a Silver Audi A4 valued at R100,000, which was used as an instrument in the offense, was forfeited to the State.

A courier heading to Malaysia was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport. Twelve rhino horns were found in her suitcases during scanning. An Environmental Management Inspector stated that the courier’s actions must consider the DNA link to three poaching crime scenes, the organized crime involvement, and the broader impacts on humans, conservation, and socio-economics. The accused was convicted and received a five-year direct imprisonment sentence.

Rhinos are among the most endangered species on the planet, with several species facing the threat of extinction. The primary reasons for their endangered status includes poaching, habitat loss, and the illegal wildlife trade. It is imperative that we continue to support anti-poaching organizations, rangers, and legislation that will protect these magnificent species for future generations to come. 

Members of the public can report wildlife crimes or any suspicious activities to the environmental crime hotline 0800 205 005 or SAPS number 10111.