Dehorning and policing efforts in the fight against rhino poaching are bearing fruit as a significant drop in the number of rhinos poached was recorded during May and June. National losses during those months stand at 21 and 22, respectively, compared with 42 and 34, respectively, for the same months in 2023.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dion George believes this is due to the dehorning of rhino populations in KwaZulu-Natal, specifically in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. About 1 000 rhinos have been dehorned in the park since April 2024.
Overall, strides are being made to combat rhino poaching and figures are showing an improvement. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DEFF) reported that during the first six months of 2024, 229 rhinos were poached in South Africa, compared with 231 for the same reporting period in 2023. Of the 229 poached, 191 were killed on state properties and 38 on privately owned parks, reserves or farms.
Kruger National Park (KNP) lost 45 rhinos to poaching from January to June 2024, compared with 42 during the same period last year.
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