Rhino poaching has reached alarming levels in South Africa’s Kruger National Park (KNP), with 35 rhinos lost to poaching in the first few months of 2025. This surge follows a disturbing trend that began around Christmas and continued into January and February, according to authorities.
The rising number of poaching incidents has left conservationists and park officials scrambling for more effective solutions.
Bruce Lesley, the Regional Ranger and Acting Mission Area Manager for KNP’s Special Operations, confirmed the grim numbers.
“We’ve lost 35 rhino so far, and the increase in rhino poaching can be attributed to several factors, including the high value of rhino horns,” Lesley said.
Despite significant efforts to dehorn rhinos within the country’s biggest park, Lesley noted that poachers are still targeting them, as dehorned rhinos continue to be valuable on the black market.
Lesley pointed to a recent bust in January 2025 where authorities at the Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg seized rhino horns from a Vietnamese individual, demonstrating the persistent demand for rhino products.
“Even dehorned rhino horns are still sought after,” he added.
A concerning regional trend is also at play. While the exact reasons for the increase are still under investigation, Lesley claimed that the post election unrest in neighboring Mozambique might be contributing to the rise in poaching activities.
“We don’t know for sure, but what we do know is that the carcasses are piling up,” Lesley remarked, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Tracking poachers in the park, which spans over two million hectares, remains a monumental challenge, especially with the thick, lush vegetation after the rainy season.
Ike Phaahla, the Manager for Communications and Marketing at KNP, shared details of a recent operation where rangers followed a spoor to catch poachers.
“The canine units were invaluable in this mission,” said Phaahla, explaining how the dogs’ keen sense of smell and ability to follow tracks over long distances were essential in locating the suspects.
The rangers’ efforts, however, still face significant obstacles. Phaahla added: “The tree canopy and long grass offer protection not only for the rhinos but also for the poachers. Without the dogs and high-tech equipment, we would be chasing shadows.”
Technologies like camera systems that recognize vehicle number plates, radar systems for detecting movement, and drones have been key in aiding the park’s efforts to protect wildlife, he added.
Lesley underscored the importance of collaboration between various agencies, including the police, SANDF, and other conservation organizations. “This is not just a Kruger problem, it’s a regional issue. We need cooperation across borders to stop these international criminal syndicates,” Lesley said.
He called for stronger enforcement and harmonized laws across southern Africa to curb the rising wave of poaching and exploitation of natural resources.
He said the continued success of Kruger’s conservation efforts will depend on its ability to adapt and evolve in response to new poaching tactics.
Despite facing these challenges, park officials said they remain committed to their mission to protect South Africa’s rhino population, recognizing that the fate of these majestic animals hangs in the balance.
“We must protect our heritage and our future,” Lesley urged, emphasizing the long-term importance of preserving the nation’s natural resources.
As the battle against rhino poaching intensifies, the message from Kruger National Park is clear: effective action, technological innovation, and regional cooperation are key to preventing further losses in this ongoing crisis.
