South Africa’s battle against rhino poaching has taken a detrimental turn, with an alarming increase in the number of rhinos killed last year. Environment Minister Barbara Creecy announced that 499 rhinos fell victim to poaching in 2023, marking a 10% rise from the previous year.
Rhino poaching remains a critical concern in South Africa, home to the majority of the world’s rhino population. With approximately 2,000 black rhinos classified as “critically endangered” and 13,000 white rhinos labelled as “near threatened,” urgent action is required to safeguard their existence.
Over the past decade, poaching rates had shown a downward trend since 2014. However, recent years have seen a resurgence, posing a significant threat to conservation efforts. Rhino horns continue to command exorbitant prices in Asian nations such as China and Vietnam, where they are sought after for their alleged medicinal properties.
Among the affected regions, the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in KwaZulu-Natal province witnessed the highest number of poaching incidents last year. Remarkably, the Kruger National Park, previously a hotspot for poaching, reported a reduction of over a third in 2023. This success, however, led to criminal groups shifting their operations to other vulnerable areas, as highlighted by Minister Creecy.
Musa Mntambo, the spokesperson for the company overseeing Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, expressed grave concern over the increase in poaching incidents. He attributed the rise to poaching groups struggling to locate rhinos in Kruger and consequently targeting areas where the animals are more visible.
In response to the escalating crisis, the government allocated $2.1 million (£1.7 million) last year to enhance fencing at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Additionally, the park has bolstered its anti-poaching measures by increasing its patrolling team and acquiring a surveillance helicopter. These efforts have resulted in a decrease in poaching incidents so far this year, with 22 cases as opposed to 30 by the same time last year.
Minister Creecy highlighted the department’s comprehensive de-horning program as an effective measure to deter poachers. The practice involves removing the rhinos’ horns, making them less attractive targets. The department has also launched an anti-corruption drive to prevent collusion between park officials and criminal gangs.
However, Jamie Joseph, head of environmental group Saving the Wild, raised concerns about the government’s anti-poaching strategies. Joseph emphasized the need for improved intelligence gathering on these criminal networks and urged the implementation of ambushes and arrests to combat poaching effectively.
Amidst the criticism, Minister Creecy commended the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, South Africa’s specialist policing unit. The department successfully convicted 45 rhino poachers and traffickers last year, demonstrating their commitment to tackling the illicit trade.
Efforts to combat rhino poaching in South Africa are vital not only for the preservation of these iconic species but also for the broader conservation landscape. Protecting rhinos from poaching must remain a priority, and improved intelligence gathering, interagency collaboration, and international support are crucial in curbing the illegal trade.
As South Africa grapples with this escalating crisis, stakeholders must come together to reinforce anti-poaching measures and secure a future where rhinos can continue to thrive in their natural habitat. The fate of these majestic creatures relies on the collective determination to counter poaching and preserve Africa’s rich biodiversity for generations to come.
