SANParks: 35 rhinos poached in Kruger National Park since beginning of 2025! Thirty-five rhinos have been poached in the Kruger National Park since the start of 2025, despite significant conservation efforts aimed at deterring poachers. The ongoing poaching crisis highlights the challenges faced by South African National Parks (SANParks) in protecting one of the country’s most iconic and endangered species.
Dehorning as a Deterrent Fails to Curb Poaching
One of the primary anti-poaching measures used by SANParks is dehorning, a process in which rhino horns are humanely removed to make the animals less attractive to poachers. However, this tactic has not proven to be a sufficient deterrent.
SANParks special operations regional ranger, Bruce Leslie, explained that poachers remain undeterred by dehorning efforts. “Even though we’ve had a huge effort in dehorning our rhino in Kruger National Park and even in KZN [KwaZulu-Natal] wildlife, there’s clearly a switch to ‘Where are the rhino?’” he said.
He emphasized that despite removing the valuable horns, poachers continue to target rhinos, indicating the persistent demand for rhino horn in international markets. “There’s still a value, and we’re going to hunt them regardless,” Leslie noted.
Rhinos poached
Transnational Syndicates Driving Rhino Poaching
The rhino poaching crisis in South Africa is driven largely by well-organized transnational crime syndicates. These criminal networks are relentless in their pursuit of rhino horn, which is highly prized in some parts of Asia for its purported medicinal properties and as a status symbol.
Despite international bans on the trade in rhino horn, black markets continue to flourish. The demand remains so high that syndicates are willing to risk capture and prosecution to smuggle the horns out of the country.
SANParks has long recognized the sophisticated nature of these criminal networks and has been working to enhance its anti-poaching capabilities. However, the ongoing attacks on rhinos in Kruger highlight just how difficult it is to outmaneuver these well-funded and highly organized syndicates.
Conservation Challenges in Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest game reserves, has historically been home to a significant portion of the world’s rhino population. However, the park has been a poaching hotspot for over a decade.
In recent years, SANParks has implemented various measures to curb rhino poaching, including the use of surveillance drones, increased ranger patrols, and collaborations with local communities. Despite these efforts, poaching incidents continue to occur at an alarming rate.
One of the main challenges is the park’s vast size. Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometers, Kruger National Park is difficult to monitor effectively. Poachers often exploit the park’s porous borders, using sophisticated tactics to evade detection.
Call for Greater International Action
The poaching crisis in South Africa is not just a national issue—it is a global concern. Conservationists and park authorities have long called for greater international cooperation to address the demand for rhino horn.
Efforts to reduce demand in consumer countries, particularly in Asia, are seen as critical to ending the poaching crisis. Educational campaigns, stricter enforcement of wildlife trafficking laws, and diplomatic pressure are all needed to reduce the incentives for poaching.
Looking Ahead
While SANParks remains committed to protecting its rhino population, the ongoing losses are a sobering reminder of the uphill battle conservationists face. As Bruce Leslie highlighted, the market for rhino horn is still very much alive, and until that demand is eradicated, poachers will continue to target South Africa’s rhinos.
Strengthened anti-poaching measures, increased international collaboration, and sustained public awareness efforts are essential to ensuring the survival of this iconic species. The fate of South Africa’s rhinos ultimately depends on the collective efforts of governments, conservationists, and the global community to put an end to the illegal wildlife trade once and for all.
