Number of rhinos killed for their horns in South Africa jumps to nearly 500: Environment minister
Rhino horns are in high demand in some Asian countries for use as traditional medicines and as status symbol for the wealthy
JOHANNESBURG
The number of rhinos killed for their horns across South Africa jumped over 11% to 499 in 2023 compared to 448 in 2022, the country’s Environment Department said on Tuesday.
Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment Minister Barbara Creecy said 406 rhinos were killed on state properties and 93 on privately owned parks, reserves, and farms, for a total increase of 51 rhinos killed in 2023.
Creecy said the coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal saw the highest number of incidents with 307 rhinos killed at the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and 78 poached at Kruger National Park.
She commended the work done by law enforcement officers and legal officials in arresting and prosecuting those involved in wildlife trafficking.
“KwaZulu-Natal recorded 49 arrests and 13 firearms seized, (and) multi-disciplinary teams continue to work tirelessly in an attempt to slow this relentless pressure," Creecy said in a statement.
African rhinos are killed daily for their horns in South Africa. Their horns are in high demand in some Asian countries, where they are used for traditional medicines and as a status symbol for the wealthy.
Currently, there are fewer than 30,000 African rhinos remaining, with the biggest population in Kruger National Park, where the highest number of incidents of poaching occur.
