South Africa recorded 229 rhinos were illegally poached in the first half of 2024. That figure is down slightly from the same period last year, and the government says global cooperation is vital in efforts to save the endangered species.
Poaching is the biggest threat to rhino populations in South Africa, where at least one rhino is killed for its horn every day. Rhino horns, which are made mostly of keratin, the same protein found in human hair and nails, are highly prized in some East Asian countries for traditional medicine and jewelry.
Although the decline in poaching was only small, environment minister Dion George said there had been a significant drop in numbers in May and June due to the implementation of a rhino dehorning programme in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province.
“The (rhino dehorning) program may have an impact on reducing rhino mortality rates … particularly in Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park where more than 1,000 rhinos have been dehorned since April 2024,” he said in a statement.
A total of 21 and 22 rhinos were illegally poached in May and June respectively, compared to 42 and 34 in the same months last year.
Poachers – working with international crime syndicates – have shifted their focus to KZN in recent years, especially after a rhino monitoring and dehorning programme was stepped up in the country's famed Kruger National Park.
“Given the organised and transnational nature of the crimes, continued engagement and cooperation with other countries is essential,” the environment ministry said, adding that South African authorities have been working with representatives from countries including China, Singapore and Vietnam.
South Africa, which on the map looks like a rhinoceros head, is home to about 16,000 rhinos. About half of Africa's endangered black rhinos and the world's largest population of white rhinos, also endangered, can be found in the country. (rz/rs)
