Protecting rhinos from poaching in South Africa

Conservation Value:

South Africa is home to about 80 percent of the world’s ~28,000 remaining rhinos. Unfortunately, over the last decade poaching has led to rapid declines in the populations of the two species found in the country, the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis bicornis and D. bicornis minor) and the white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum). Today 93% of the world’s remaining white rhinos and 39% of world’s black rhinos are protected in South Africa. About one quarter of all rhinos are held within private reserves in South Africa.

Threats:

Poaching of both rhino species is widespread across both state and privately-owned reserves in South Africa. The criminal syndicates that poachers deal with are often involved in other large scale transnational criminal activities that exploit gaps in the national law enforcement and criminal justice systems. In the face of continued protection efforts at reserves, the poaching threat evolves to outmaneuver anti-poaching efforts in protected areas.

Actions & Results:

In 2025, 352 rhinos were poached in South Africa—68 fewer than in 2024—reflecting a modest but important improvement.  SRP’s
strategic initiatives contributed to multiple arrests, the deployment of early-warning technologies, upgrades to a high-functioning operations room, the introduction of UAV (drone) capability, and ongoing investigative and analytical support.  A core focus of SRP’s work is training anti-poaching rangers and security personnel.  By integrating best-practice conservation skills with force-multiplying technologies, SRP strengthens the ability of reserve teams to protect rhinos.  In 2025, ranger training included a program that equips dogs, handlers and anti-poaching units to operate as highly coordinated, rapid-response teams.  Thanks to the Elliott Family Foundation for its support for this project.