More than 100 rhinos have been killed in South Africa due to poaching in the first three months of this year.
This is according to figures released by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
As reported by The Citizen, a total of 103 rhinos were poached between January and March. The highest number of rhino losses occurred in South African National Parks, with 65 animals killed.
According to Save The Rhino, the new data also highlights a key shift in location.
Picture: Getaway Gallery
KwaZulu-Natal, which had been heavily targeted in recent years, has seen a drop in poaching. Only 16 poaching cases were reported between January to March 2025. This indicates a decline when compared to the 232 rhinos killed in the province during 2024 (the equivalent of 58 rhinos every three months).
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KwaZulu-Natal is followed by Limpopo with 10 cases, Free State with 5, North West with 4 and Mpumalanga with 3.
No poaching cases reported in the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Western Cape or Gauteng.
According to Dr Dion George, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the absence of poaching in the aforementioned four provinces is proof that targeted interventions are yielding results. He added that the ministry intends to further build on the progress.
Equally, George acknowledged that the loss of 103 rhinos in just three months underscores the urgent need for more intensified efforts to combat this illegal activity.
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