South Africa recorded a 16% decline in rhino poaching in 2025, a sign that sustained anti-poaching and anti-trafficking efforts are beginning to show results.
According to Willie Aucamp, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, 352 rhinos were poached in 2025, down from 420 in 2024.
“Working together with anti-poaching and anti-trafficking organisations, we are seeing the impact of intelligence-driven and coordinated interventions,” said Aucamp.
Gains Mask a Troubling Shift
While the national trend is positive, pressure has intensified in key hotspots.
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Kruger National Park recorded 175 rhino losses in 2025, almost double the 88 recorded in 2024
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Mpumalanga was the hardest-hit province, losing 178 rhinos
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By contrast, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in KwaZulu-Natal saw poaching drop dramatically from 198 to 63 cases
Conservation authorities attribute the KwaZulu-Natal improvement to closer collaboration between public and private rhino owners, supported by NGOs including WWF, Save the Rhino International, Wildlife ACT and Peace Parks Foundation.
Technology, Integrity and Prosecutions Make the Difference
Officials say the decline is not due to a single intervention, but a layered approach that includes:
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Advanced camera systems, sensors and early-warning technologies
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Strategic and maintenance dehorning where scientifically justified
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Polygraph testing and integrity management of law-enforcement personnel
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Expanded ranger, aerial and K9 capacity
Seven Kruger National Park employees were dismissed following integrity investigations linked to poaching syndicates.
Syndicates Targeted, Sentences Strengthened
South Africa has also recorded major prosecutorial successes, including the centralisation of cases across provinces to target organised crime networks.
One of the most significant convictions involved ZM Muiambo, also known as Thomas Chauke, who was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment in 2025 after being found guilty on 19 charges, including rhino poaching, firearms offences and repeated escapes from custody.
Authorities say longer prison terms and money-laundering charges are proving critical in disrupting syndicates rather than only arresting couriers.
International Cooperation Expands
South Africa continues to strengthen international collaboration, including joint operations with Singapore, which led to the seizure of 17 rhino horns and large quantities of lion and tiger bones in December 2025.
These efforts contributed to South Africa receiving the Asia Environmental Enforcement Recognition of Excellence Award for its work against transboundary wildlife crime.
The Road Ahead
Despite progress, government officials caution that poaching syndicates adapt quickly, requiring constant innovation, cooperation and vigilance.
“Sustaining this downward trend will depend on aligned action by government, the private sector and NGOs,” said Aucamp.
Members of the public are urged to report wildlife crime to 0800 205 005 or SAPS 10111.
