Overview

• The African rhino population declined by 6.7% in 2024 to an estimated 22,540 animals.
• The poaching rate dropped to 2.15% last year, marking the lowest level since 2011.
• In early 2025, poaching rose in South Africa with 150 rhinos killed and in Chad with two female black rhinos lost, leaving only two males.
• Environmental stress coupled with policy shortcomings has undermined anti-poaching successes and intensified threats to rhino survival.
• Significant gaps in data collection and standardized monitoring are hindering efforts to track and curb illegal horn trade to Vietnam, Malaysia and China.