Rhino killings down 40% in Kruger, but Hluhluwe iMfolozi targeted by poachers

While rhino killings have declined by 40% in the Kruger National Park over the park year, the animals have been under attack in KwaZulu-Natal.

In 2022, some 244 rhinos were killed in the province. Of these, 228 were killed in provincial parks, with the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park targeted in particular.

Last year, 124 were killed in the Kruger National Park, the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said in a statement

In total, 451 rhinos were killed in the past year, three fewer than the previous year. Some 86 of these rhinos were killed in private parks.  

“The steady decline in rhino poaching in national parks is related to the relentless war that has been waged by our fearsome anti-poaching machinery as well as a comprehensive dehorning programme,” said Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy.  

“This year’s outcome shows that collaboration between conservation authorities, the South African Police Service, revenue authorities and international agencies works.

“We believe that if provincial authorities in KwaZulu-Natal follow our model, they will be able to significantly curb rhino poaching in their provincial parks before it is too late.”

Last year, 132 people were arrested for rhino poaching, while 26 rhino horn traffickers were arrested and 13 people for money laundering and bribing of rangers.

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