As part of their G20 Presidency South Africa’s Environment Minister Dr Dion George
has announced high-level rhino poaching numbers for the first half of 2025.
Speaking at the launch of a new government initiative titled ‘Rhino Renaissance’,
which aims to boost Kruger’s rhino population to 12,000 individuals within the next
decade, Minister George announced that 195 rhinos have been killed by poachers
between 1st January and 30th June 2025 – 35 less than were killed in the same period in 2024.
While this was not a full briefing there was some further detail given, including that
June saw the fewest rhinos killed this year, with 22 lost nationally. Kruger National
Park remains a prime target, with half of June’s losses. Nevertheless, losses were
down for the state-run park from 17 in January and 30 February, to 11 losses in both
May and June.
Whilst we applaud this reduction, and the government’s new initiative that in part has promised to train and deploy 90 Rhino Monitors annually across Kruger National Park, the numbers still show a concerning trend.
The killing of 195 rhinos in the first half of 2025 means we are still losing more than
one rhino every day – and without knowing what percentage of the total population
this amounts to we cannot know the true impact of these losses.
It is hugely encouraging that the South African Government is using their G20 Presidency to highlight and lead an international support programme for the rhino. Encouragingly many of the methods highlighted in the Rhino Renaissance initiative are in complete alignment with effective practices that have been carried out across the private sector for a number of years e.g. training of local community members to be Wildlife Rangers. The ambitious goal of increasing the Kruger National Park white rhino population to 12,000 from around 2,000 individuals in a decade is to be applauded, but must also but greeted with a touch of realism and I look forward to seeing more detailed plans on how the authorities believe they can achieve this target. What is clear is that protecting and increasing rhino populations requires a multi-faceted, aligned and integrated approach across all stakeholders. The Rhino crisis is a global problem with a global solution.
JANUARY TO MARCH
This follows on from the updated numbers given for the first quarter of this year, where 103 rhinos were killed from January to March in a continuation of the poaching spike seen at the end of 2024.
The greatest losses were once again on State owned land, with 63% of the total poaching. The numbers so far are comparable with the same period in 2024, highlighting the relentless pressure these rhino populations are under.
More encouraging news from the announcement was that four Provinces managed to maintain clean records, with the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape losing no rhinos in this period. Given the Eastern Cape’s status as a key Rhino Stronghold this is an immense achievement. Results like these tell us that our Eyes in the Sky aerial anti-poaching support and technological interventions in the form of cutting-edge rhino tracking devices are working, and we hope that you our supporters feel proud of the tangible difference your support is making in this pivotal region.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
We are steadfast in our commitment to create and expand Rhino Strongholds –secure habitats that PROTECT the rhinos, PRESERVE their habitats & PROVIDE or the people who live alongside them. The track-record of the Eastern Cape – one of our key Rhino Stronghold locations – tells us that these interventions are working, but we can only continue to fund them with your support – please donate today.