Rhino poaching at 11-year low, but threats persist

New data from the International Rhino Foundation’s 2025 State of the Rhino report reveals a cautiously optimistic picture for rhino conservation in Africa.In 2024, one rhino was poached every 15 hours, marking the lowest level of poaching in more than a decade. Overall, rhino populations in Africa and Asia have increased by 430 animals, reaching 26 700 since the last count in 2022.Africa is home to the majority of the world’s rhinos, including the critically endangered black rhino and the near-threatened white rhino. Current estimates place the black rhino population at 6 788, while the white rhino numbers 15 752. Despite this recovery, poaching and the illegal trade in rhino horn remain the most significant threats. Demand, particularly from Vietnam and China, continues to fuel these crimes, as rhino horn is used in traditional medicine, carvings, and ornamental items. Organised criminal networks and local socio-economic pressures also contribute to illegal hunting.Steps to conserveConservation groups and African governments have responded with a wide range of measures to protect rhinos. Strategies include intelligence-led enforcement, advanced ranger training, integrity testing, and close collaboration with local communities. Technological innovations such as camera traps, aerial surveillance, motion sensors, and targeted rhino translocations have also helped reduce poaching risks in vulnerable areas.Since the onset of the poaching crisis in 2008, over 12 000 rhinos have been killed in Africa, with 2015 marking the peak at 1 349 incidents. By comparison, 2024 recorded 516 poaching events — representing just 2.15% of Africa’s total rhino population — the lowest loss in 13 years.Peter Knights, CEO of Wild Africa, emphasises: “While rhino poaching has declined and populations are growing, integrity testing of rangers and demand reduction in consumer countries remain critical.”Lorna Dax of Save the Rhino Trust Namibia adds: “World Rhino Day is an opportunity to celebrate our successes, but it also reminds us that conservation requires ongoing commitment.”While these gains are encouraging, rhino populations remain fragile. Sustained investment, international collaboration, and continued vigilance against poaching are essential to secure the species’ future. On World Rhino Day 2025, Wild Africa urges the public and authorities alike to protect rhinos, safeguard habitats and say no to the illegal wildlife trade.

Rhino poaching at 11-year low, but threats persist

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-13

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Rhino poaching at 11-year low, but threats persist

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-13

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