South Africa recorded 499 rhinos poached in 2023, the government said on Tuesday (February 27), 51 more than the previous year.
And that’s despite efforts to improve protection.
The country is home to nearly half Africa’s population of the critically-endangered black rhino and the world’s largest population of near-threatened white rhinos.
But the animals are targeted for their horns, which are used in east Asian countries for making traditional medicines and jewelry.
International criminal syndicates are often involved, relying on the help of local poachers and collusion with park rangers.
Last year, South Africa’s environment ministry said it was increasing healthcare, training and counseling services for rangers to discourage them from assisting poachers.
Nevertheless, the ministry said in a statement that 406 rhinos were killed on state properties and 93 on privately owned parks, reserves and farms in 2023.
Environment minister Barbara Creecy said pressure had been felt in KwaZulu-Natal province with Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park “facing the brunt of poaching cases.”
South Africa’s flagship national park, Kruger, recorded a 37% decrease from 2022 with 78 rhinos poached last year.
No rhinos were poached in any other national parks.
