Ezemvelo confident about rhino dehorning strategy despite spike in poaching

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife remains confident in the effectiveness of its rhino dehorning programme, despite the recent loss of 20 dehorned rhinos targeted for their horn stumps in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP).

Since the programme’s launch in April, over 1 000 rhinos have been dehorned, resulting in a significant drop in poaching numbers.

Initially, Ezemvelo was hesitant to dehorn rhinos due to cost concerns and the sanctuary’s unique appeal for tourists seeking to see rhinos with horns.

However, financial and logistical support from WWF South Africa led to a joint dehorning operation, which received further assistance from Wildlife ACT, Save the Rhino International and Zululand Wildlife Vets.

According to WWF, the operation initially reduced poaching by 70% to 80%. However, in October, poaching incidents surged, with 20 dehorned rhinos killed.

Following these losses, Ezemvelo said it had identified and begun dismantling the syndicate behind the recent attacks after two foreign poachers were killed in a confrontation with the anti-poaching unit.

“These recent killings were shocking, as we believed removing their horns would reduce the rhinos’ vulnerability to poaching,” said Ezemvelo spokesperson Musa Mntambo.

“We have made significant strides in infiltrating the syndicate responsible and are optimistic that this intervention will decrease the likelihood of further attacks on dehorned rhinos.”

Despite this setback, Mntambo reiterated that dehorning has been effective in deterring poachers by removing their primary incentive.

“The dehorning process has proven beneficial, and we will continue this strategy, including any rhinos missed in earlier rounds,” he added.

During a recent visit by King MisuZulu kaZwelithini, Ezemvelo updated the King on new anti-poaching tools deployed in HiP. These include over 200 surveillance cameras that provide real-time alerts, K9 units to track poachers, and smart fencing to monitor high-risk areas.