Authorities reported that rhino poaching in South Africa declined in 2025. SANParks announced this following a government statement on 10 February 2026.
South African Government announcement
In his announcement to the press, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment Willie Aucamp said,
South Africa’s anti-poaching and anti-trafficking efforts have yielded a 16% overall decline in rhino poaching in 2025 compared to 2024.
Focus on rhino poaching
Aucamp added that poachers killed a total of 352 rhinos in South Africa during 2025. Of these, poachers killed 266 on state property, while 86 died on privately owned land.
The decrease, he said, constitutes a reduction of 68 rhinos lost compared to 2024, when poachers killed 420 rhinos.
Unfortunately, Mpumalanga, which includes the Kruger Park, recorded the highest losses. He reported that poachers killed 178 animals there last year, 92 more than in 2024.
Even more alarming, poachers slaughtered 175 of these animals in the park.
Once again, this marks a considerable year-on-year increase of 87 animals, relative to the total of 88 deaths reported the previous year.
Encouraging news
Conversely, the means that poachers killed only three rhinos in the reserves that constitute the Greater Kruger, such as the Sabi Sands Game Reserve.
And, as we reported yesterday, SANParks continues its intensive anti-poaching patrols.
And, as was reported in Daily Maverick and Times LIVE, there have been notable successes in KwaZulu-Natal.
South Africa’s anti-poaching and anti-trafficking efforts yielded a 16% overall decline in rhino poaching in 2025 compared to 2024, forestry, fisheries and the environment minister Willie Aucamp said on Tuesday. https://t.co/ksnUzf5FrQ
Data from the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in the province shows a marked decline in rhino poaching. While 198 were lost in 2024, a relatively low 63 died at the hands of poachers in 2025.
The province’s wildlife authority, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, attributed the drop in poaching to a closer collaboration between itself and rhino owners in the province.
Collaborative effort
These efforts are aided by the Integrated Wildlife Zones Programme, along with ongoing support from partners such as WWF, Save the Rhino International, Wildlife ACT, and Peace Parks Foundation (PPF).
In the statement, Ezemvelo acknowledged that the dehorning programme begun in 2024 led to the stabilisation of poaching pressures. Furthermore, they enabled more targeted interventions.
Prosecuting poachers
Aucamp went on to relay that there have been some successful prosecutions of those charged with rhino crimes.
He attributed in part to the implementation of the National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking (NISCWT), which streamlines cooperation.
A team effort
Aucamp also conveyed gratitude to the private sector for its role in combating poaching.
He said,
“Sustaining this downward trend in rhino poaching requires coordinated and aligned action by government, the private sector, and non-governmental organisations, underpinned by clear objectives.”
Report wildlife-related suspicions to the Environmental Crime Hotline: 0800 205 005 or the SAPS: 10111.
Neglected Senior Pup Finally Learns What Love Feels Like After He Meets His New Family
For the past ten years of his life, all Conrad, a senior Beagle, knew was neglect and abuse.
He was found in horrific shape in one of the city shelters, completely shut down from everything.
Despite his situation being vague, Conrad’s shape spoke for itself. He was severely malnourished, had rotten teeth, and was deeply depressed. This skin-and-bones dog knew nothing but suffering for the last decade, but all that was about to change within days!
Conrad’s Heartbreaking Backstory
Source: Beagle Freedom Project
Conrad was on the way to being euthanized by the shelter he was found in when the Beagle Freedom Project team, from Los Angeles, California, came across his story.
After ten long years in a home where he knew nothing but neglect, Conrad ended up being a shelter dog with zero chance for a new start. But, the BFP team acted timely!
In coordination with their partnering rescue groups, Beagle Freedom Project took Conrad in, ready to give him the transformation of a lifetime.
In the video posted by this Californian rescue, Kait, the social media manager, explains that this senior boy hasn’t had an easy life.
“This poor boy is in horrific condition. As you can see he is severely emaciated, he’s skin and bone, his hips are sticking out, his spine is sticking out, he has extremely dry skin,” Kait, BFP’s social media manager, says in the video.
However, thanks to the community and his amazing caregivers, Conrad was given a new chance in no time.
After weeks of care, TLC, and dental surgery, Conrad finally found a glimmer of hope that things might eventually end well!
The Most Wonderful News
Source: Beagle Freedom Project
Conrad’s incredible transformation took everyone by surprise!
Despite all odds, this senior boi showed remarkable spirit and resilience, which eventually resulted in his speedy recovery!
“We are excited to share that after a month of intensive care, healthy meals, and dental surgery, Conrad is feeling much better. He is finding joy in life again— exploring, playing, and even digging through the trash like a typical beagle,” the rescue wrote in an update post.
Source: Beagle Freedom Project
But, that wasn’t about it for sweet Conrad. In the same post, the rescue announced the greatest update about this lovely dog. After spending a few meaningful weeks in a new foster home, his dad couldn’t help but go all in for Conrad!
Instead of helping him find a new home, Conrad’s foster decided to make him a permanent member of the family.
“His incredible foster dad fell in love with him and decided to ADOPT him. Conrad has a forever family,” the rescue added.
After a lifetime of neglect and abuse, Conrad will finally have a nice, cozy home and a family to love him. And, that’s pretty much everything he had been looking for this entire time.
We wish you the best golden years of your life, sweet boi!
Be the first to comment on this article!