The South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has released the rhino poaching statistics for 2024. According to the data, a total of 420 rhinos were poached across South Africa from January to December 2024. Of these, 320 were killed on state-owned properties, while 100 were poached on privately owned parks, reserves, or farms. This marks a significant decrease compared to the 499 rhinos lost to poaching in 2023.
KwaZulu-Natal remained the hardest-hit province, with 232 rhinos poached in 2024. However, this is a notable decline from the 325 rhinos killed in the region the previous year. A major factor behind this reduction was the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Dehorning Programme, which was implemented in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park between April and October 2024. Funded by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the initiative had an immediate impact, with poaching numbers dropping from 35 in April to fewer than 10 per month between May and September.
Kruger National Park reported a total of 88 rhinos poached in 2024, an increase of 10 compared to the 78 recorded in 2023. Up until the end of November 2024, rhino losses in Kruger National Park stood at 67, but a sharp escalation in poaching activity occurred in December. That month alone, 21 rhinos were killed, and the trend continued into January 2025, with another 17 rhinos reported poached.
In KwaZulu-Natal, poaching syndicates adapted their tactics in October and began targeting dehorned rhinos, leading to a sudden surge in incidents. That month alone, the province lost 27 rhinos. Fortunately, swift action by the provincial anti-poaching team led to the interception of the new syndicate, preventing further losses. Thanks to these concerted efforts, KwaZulu-Natal ultimately recorded a 67% decline in rhino poaching over the eight-month period.
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