South Africa recorded a 16% decline in rhino poaching during 2025, with 352 animals killed compared to 420 the previous year, according to the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp.
The decrease of 68 rhinos represents progress in the country’s anti-poaching campaign, though provincial figures reveal an uneven picture. Of the animals lost, 266 were killed on state property and 86 on privately owned parks, reserves or farms.
Mpumalanga emerged as the hardest-hit province, losing 178 rhinos during the reporting period – a sharp increase from 92 in 2024. The majority of these deaths occurred in the Kruger National Park, which recorded 175 poached rhinos, more than double the 88 reported in 2024.
By contrast, KwaZulu-Natal’s Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park saw a dramatic reduction, with poaching incidents dropping from 198 in 2024 to 63 last year. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife attributed the improvement to closer collaboration with rhino owners through the Integrated Wildlife Zones Programme and sustained support from conservation partners including World Wildlife Fund, Save the Rhino International, Wildlife ACT and Peace Parks Foundation.
Aucamp noted that while the strategic dehorning programme implemented in 2024 served as a critical catalyst, analysis of 2025 outcomes confirmed that multiple complementary interventions drove the reduction in poaching incidents.
These included enhanced detection and early-warning capability through advanced camera technologies and sensors, as well as an Integrity Implementation Plan that saw all park law-enforcement personnel undergo polygraph testing.
“As we closely monitor implementation of the National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking, we continue to see some very good convictions in relation to rhino-related cases, with lengthy direct imprisonment terms,” Aucamp said.
The Director of Public Prosecutions Environmental Working Group has begun handling multiple cases together, allowing courts to view the complete picture of criminal activities and focus on organised crime and money laundering aspects.
South Africa received the Asia Environmental Enforcement Recognition of Excellence Award late last year, which recognises excellence in enforcement by government officials combatting transboundary environmental crimes.
Aucamp said the country remains committed to an intelligence-driven, partnership-based approach to rhino protection, recognising that sustained success requires constant adaptation and cooperation across all sectors.
