Rhino poaching has declined by 16% in 2025 compared to 2024.
Willie Aucamp, the Minister of Forestey, Fisheries and the Environment, attributed the decline to tactical, swift coordination.
“From January to December 2025, 352 rhinos were poached in South Africa, with 266 being killed on state properties and 86 on privately owned parks, reserves or farms. This was a decrease of 68 in comparison to 420 rhinos poached in 2024” said Aucamp.
Most rhinos were poached at the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga (178), an increase by 92.
Poaching figures dropped slightly in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in Kwazulu-Natal to 63 in 2025, from 198 in 2024.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has attributed the significant reduction in poaching in this Park to closer collaboration between Ezemvelo and KwaZulu-Natal rhino owners through the Integrated Wildlife Zones (IWZ) Programme, as well as sustained support from key conservation partners, including WWF, Save the Rhino International, Wildlife ACT, and Peace Parks Foundation (PPF).
In addition, Ezemvelo has a strategic dehorning programme implemented in 2024.