South Africa launches ambitious campaign to save its dwindling rhino population

IOL News

16-07-2025

The Rhino Renaissance Campaign launch is one of South Africa's G20 Legacy Projects. It aims to rebuild the white rhino population in Kruger National Park (KNP) from just over 2,000 to 12,000 within the next decade.
Image: File
South Africa is the custodian of more than 80% of the continent's white rhino population, which is at risk from poaching and a dwindling population.
Dr Dion George, MP and minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), remarked on Tuesday at the Rhino Renaissance Campaign launch.
The campaign, one of South Africa's G20 Legacy Projects, aims to rebuild the white rhino population in the Kruger National Park (KNP) from just over 2,000 to 12,000 within the next decade.
Annual statistics revealed that 195 rhinos had been poached across South Africa by June 2025, a reduction of 35 compared to the same period in 2024. In KNP, 11 rhinos were killed in both May and June, down from 17 in January and 30 in February 2025.
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'Once nearly extinct, the white rhino population stood at fewer than 100 individuals in the early 20th century. But South Africa acted. Through protected areas, community partnerships, and the hard work of rangers and conservationists, the species was brought back from the brink. By 2010, there were more than 20,000 white rhinos,' George said.
The KNP is home to over 12,000 rhinos — an unmatched feat in global conservation. But since then, the tide has turned.
'As of 2024, the population has dropped to 14,389 nationwide. In Kruger, just over 2,000 remain. A significant part of the issue involves poaching and the trafficking of rhino horn, driven by organised crime and profit,' George warned.
He said that the campaign led by the South African National Parks (SANParks) is a direct response to poaching and illegal rhino horn trade.
'It brings together SANParks' conservation authority with the Tracker Academy, part of the Peace Parks Foundation, whose work in training local trackers in ancestral skills is redefining what it means to protect wildlife,' George said.
He also mentioned the Good Work Foundation, a non-profit transforming education for thousands of learners in the villages around Kruger through digital learning, conservation coding, and storytelling.
He said that 90 rhino monitors will be trained and deployed annually across KNP.
'The Rhino Renaissance Campaign is a vital part of this effort. It supports our vision of a Fair Industry for Lions, Leopards, Elephants, and Rhinos — a future where these species are not only protected but thrive alongside the people who live among them,' George said.
Other plans include: African Parks has relocated 2,000 rhinos to safe havens across the country.
Munyawana Conservancy and others are growing populations through rewilding.
Cross-border work is under way in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and across the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area.
Safe havens have been identified in Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Botswana.
Collaboration between the government and private wildlife owners in our Integrated Wildlife Zones has been enhanced.
Pam Yako, SANParks Board chairperson, said rhinos are a species of global significance, and the campaign was a partnership with various stakeholders.
'We want to showcase our efforts and how best we can, with the help of everyone else, build a whole movement for the conservation of the species,' she said.
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