WHILE South Africa has recorded a 24% decrease in rhino poaching compared to the pre-Covid period in 2019, there has been an increase in poaching on private properties.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, said a total of 451 rhinos were poached in South Africa last year, with 327 poached within government reserves, while 124 were poached on private property.
“South Africa remains committed to safeguarding the country’s rhino populations, and will continue to work tirelessly, alongside the private sector, committed non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as well as authorities in transit and destination countries, to combat wildlife crime,” the minister said.
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Last year, 209 rhinos were poached for their horns in South African National Parks (SANParks) – all in the Kruger National Park.
“This was in fact a decrease in comparison to 2020, when 247 rhino were poached within the national parks. It is important to note that none of SANParks’ smaller rhino parks experienced any rhino losses from poaching in 2021, in comparison to the two rhinos that were poached in 2020,” Creecy said.
The steady decline in rhino poaching in the Kruger Park is related to an increase in the intensity of anti-poaching activities.
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A close working relationship between the police’s endangered species unit, the SANParks environmental crimes inspectorate has resulted in increased arrests and convictions.
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