While rhino kills have decreased by 40% in Kruger National Park during the park year, the animals have been attacked in KwaZulu-Natal.
In 2022, some 244 rhinos were killed in the province. Of these, 228 were killed in provincial parks, with the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park being targeted in particular.
Last year, 124 were killed in the Kruger National Park, the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said in a statement.
In total, 451 rhinos were killed last year, three fewer than the previous year. Some 86 of these rhinos were killed in private parks.
“The steady decline in rhino poaching in national parks is linked to the relentless war waged by our fearsome anti-poaching machine, as well as a comprehensive dehorning programme,” said the Minister for Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. , Barbara Creecy.
“This year’s result shows that collaboration between conservation authorities, the South African Police Service, tax authorities and international agencies works.
“We believe that if the KwaZulu-Natal provincial authorities follow our model, they will be able to significantly curb rhino poaching in their provincial parks before it is too late.”
Last year, 132 people were arrested for rhino poaching, while 26 rhino horn dealers were arrested and 13 people for money laundering and bribery of rangers.
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