Good news for South Africa’s rhino poaching fight, but alarm bells at Kruger National Park

Park rangers approach the rhino carefully. Picture: Facebook South Africa recorded a 16% decline in rhino poaching during 2025, with 352 animals killed compared to 420 in 2024, according to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. However, the statistics reveal a concerning shift in poaching hotspots, with Kruger National Park experiencing its worst year on record.

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp attributed the overall reduction to improved coordination between government agencies, private sector partners and conservation organisations. “From January to December 2025, 352 rhinos were poached in South Africa, with 266 being killed on state properties and 86 on privately owned parks, reserves or farms. This was a decrease of 68 in comparison to 420 rhinos poached in 2024,” he said.

Mpumalanga emerged as the hardest-hit province, losing 178 rhinos compared to 92 in 2024. The majority of these losses occurred at Kruger National Park, which reported 175 poached rhinos in 2025, nearly double the 88 recorded in 2024. According to the data provided, poaching in Kruger has increased for three consecutive years.

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In 2023, the park had 78 poached rhinos. Investigations linked the surge to internal corruption, with polygraph testing revealing connections between failed tests and increased poaching during December 2024 and 2025. Seven Ranger Services employees at Kruger were dismissed following disciplinary action. The park is recruiting additional field rangers and has introduced 12 operational K9 units with 11 newly trained handlers, alongside significant technology investments to support anti-poaching efforts.

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