South Africa Sees 16% Drop in Rhino Poaching in 2024

South Africa saw a significant decline in rhino poaching in 2024, with the number of animals killed for their horns dropping by approximately 16% compared to the previous year. According to the country’s environment minister, Dion George, a total of 420 rhinos were poached last year, down from 499 in 2023. Despite this progress, concerns remain over poaching hotspots, particularly in Kruger National Park, where incidents have risen.

Home to the world’s largest population of near-threatened white rhinos and nearly half of Africa’s critically endangered black rhinos, South Africa continues to face relentless pressure from illegal wildlife trade. Rhino horns, made of keratin—the same protein found in human hair and nails—are highly valued in some East Asian markets for their use in traditional medicine and ornamental carvings. This demand has fueled poaching across the country, with both state-owned reserves and private conservation areas being targeted.

Of the 420 rhinos killed last year, 320 were poached on state properties, while 100 were taken from private parks, reserves, and farms. The province of KwaZulu-Natal remained one of the hardest-hit regions, but authorities credited a dehorning program as a key factor in the overall decline in poaching numbers. However, in Kruger National Park, poaching increased slightly, with 88 rhinos killed in 2024 compared to 78 the previous year. The park’s vast and remote landscape poses significant challenges for law enforcement, making it difficult to track and apprehend poachers.

To counter poaching, the government has intensified its anti-poaching strategies, including the use of lie-detector tests for staff working in high-risk areas such as Kruger and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi parks. These measures aim to identify potential collusion between poachers and insiders, a long-standing issue in wildlife conservation.

Meanwhile, in neighboring Namibia, authorities reported an increase in rhino poaching cases last year, with 83 incidents recorded compared to 69 in 2023. The rising trend in Namibia highlights the ongoing challenges faced by conservationists across southern Africa, where sophisticated criminal networks continue to exploit rhino populations despite intensified protection efforts.

While the decline in poaching numbers in South Africa is a positive development, experts caution that sustained vigilance, stronger law enforcement, and international cooperation are necessary to secure the future of rhino populations. The battle against poaching remains far from over, with organized crime syndicates constantly adapting to evade authorities.