Dehorning contributing to slight decline in rhino poaching

While the fight against rhino poaching continues countrywide, South Africa has recorded a slight decline in recent months, with the dehorning at KZN reserves such as Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP) being touted as a contributing factor.

This is according to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), which reported that over 1 000 rhinos have been dehorned at HiP since April.

ALSO READ: ‘Historically significant’ rhino dehorning operation under way at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

Recent figures show that 229 rhinos were poached in South Africa in the first six months of the year, compared with 231 for the same reporting period last year.

“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).

“This reduced loss is thought to be attributable to the dehorning of rhino populations in KwaZulu-Natal,” said DFFE Minister Dr Dion George.

ALSO READ: King Cetshwayo District dump best in KZN – survey

KZN’s poaching figures were on a par with last year’s stats for the first half of 2024, however, with 145 poaching incidents this year compared with 143 during the same period last year.

Dr George commended combatting efforts and successful convictions received in the past six months.

Read the full story in this week’s ZO Weekender.

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