‘Relentless threat to wildlife’: Here’s how many rhinos were poached in SA in 2025 so far

More than 100 rhinos were killed in South Africa due to poaching during the first three months of 2025, according to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment.

The latest figures, released by the department on Monday, reveal that a total of 103 rhinos were poached nationwide between January and March.

This equates to an average of 34.33 rhinos lost to poaching each month.

Rhino poaching stats in SA

A provincial breakdown shows that South African National Parks (SANParks) experienced the highest number of rhino losses, with 65 animals killed.

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) reported 16 cases, followed by Limpopo with 10 and Free State with five.

North West and Mpumalanga recorded the lowest cases of rhino poaching, with four and three, respectively.

However, no incidents of rhino poaching were reported in the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Western Cape, or Gauteng.

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Commenting on the statistics, Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Minister Dion George said the absence of poaching in four provinces was “encouraging”, but he expressed concern about the overall death toll.

George described the situation as “a stark reminder of the relentless threat to our wildlife”.

“Yet, the absence of poaching in four provinces shows that our targeted interventions are yielding results, and we must build on this progress,” he said.

The minister also highlighted that targeted measures have contributed to 15 arrests related to rhino poaching.

Moreover, five poaching-related cases have been finalised in the same period.

Anti-poaching efforts

George stressed that the department is working in close collaboration with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the South African Police Service (Saps), aiming to improve opposition to bail for repeat offenders and illegal immigrants.

“We are working closely with the NPA and Saps to ensure that repeat offenders and those with no fixed address face stronger opposition to bail,” the minister remarked.

He added that to bolster efforts against wildlife crimes, the department is turning to technology, including drones and thermal radar, while also engaging communities near protected areas to address the root causes of poaching through sustainable development

“The South African government remains steadfast in its commitment to combating wildlife crime.

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“We continue to strengthen anti-poaching measures, including enhanced ranger patrols, advanced surveillance technologies, and collaboration with national and international law enforcement agencies,” George said.

“We call on every South African and the global community to stand with us in safeguarding our rhinos.

“Public awareness, responsible tourism and support for conservation initiatives are critical to ensure future generations can witness the magnificent animals in the wild,” the statement further reads.

George also extended an invitation to individuals and organisations willing to support anti-poaching operations by donating equipment such as binoculars, radar sets, and other essential gear.

“The department will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide regular updates on our efforts to protect South Africa’s rhinos and other endangered species.”

In 2024, a total of 420 rhinos were killed in South Africa.