Rhino Poaching Escalates in South Africa, Hitting New Highs in 2023

Despite intensified anti-poaching efforts, South Africa reports a significant increase in rhino poaching, with 499 animals killed last year.

South Africa witnessed a more than 10% rise in rhino poaching in 2023, with 499 rhinos killed compared to the previous year.
The majority of the poaching occurred in state-run parks, particularly the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park in KwaZulu-Natal province.
Efforts to combat poaching have included improved fencing, hiring additional patrollers, and acquiring a new surveillance helicopter.
The government has also undertaken an extensive de-horning program and an anti-corruption drive to prevent collusion with poachers.
Despite these measures, experts warn that without better intelligence on poaching gangs, the increase in poaching is likely to continue.