South Africa sees sharp decline in rhinoceros poaching

South Africa has recorded a significant decline in rhinoceros poaching in May and June compared to the same period last year, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) said on Thursday.

"A significant drop was noted during May and June this year, with national losses reported at 21 and 22, respectively. May and June of 2023 were recorded at 42 and 34," South African Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dion George was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the department.

According to him, this reduced loss is thought to be attributable to the dehorning of rhinoceros populations in KwaZulu-Natal Province, specifically in Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, where more than 1,000 rhinoceros have been dehorned since April this year.

The DFFE noted that it has been involved in guarding and protecting rhinoceros in core rhinoceros areas, using appropriate technologies, dehorning rhinos, and implementing innovative biological management to prevent them from being killed for their horns.

"During the reporting period, over 60 suspects have been arrested, and 20 heavy caliber firearms recovered in relation to rhino poaching and rhino horn trafficking," it added.

The department also reported that in the first six months of 2024, a total of 229 rhinoceros were killed for their horns when compared to 231 during the same period last year. "A total of 191 were killed on state properties and 38 on privately owned parks/reserves/farms."

About rhinoceros population numbers, according to the DFFE, at the end of 2023, South Africa reported 16,056 rhinoceros, comprising 2,065 black and 13,991 white rhinoceros. At the end of 2021, there were 2,056 black and 12,968 white rhinoceros in the country.

The department said the implementation of the National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking is well underway, and cooperation between all stakeholders, including government and the private sector, is being promoted.