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Mail & Guardian
3 days ago
- Science
- Mail & Guardian
Dehorning rhinos cuts poaching by 78%, landmark study finds
Dehorning must not be seen as a silver bullet, according to experts. (Photo supplied) The research, published in the prestigious journal Science , focused on 11 reserves in South Africa's Greater Kruger region from 2017 to 2023 — a critical global stronghold that conserves about a quarter of all Africa's rhinos. The Greater Kruger, spanning Mpumalanga and Limpopo, includes the Kruger National Park and the private nature reserves around it, and is an umbrella for the various private game reserves that make up the unfenced protected wilderness that lies adjacent to the Kruger Park. 'Kruger National Park had a rhino population of about 12 000 back in 2012,' said the study's lead author, 'Today, we're sitting at around probably below 2 000, so there's been a The project was a 'mammoth effort' involving wide collaboration between reserve managers under the banner of the They documented the poaching of 1 985 rhinos (about 6.5% of the population annually). 'The stakeholders got together to ask the question, 'Why have rhinos declined so rapidly and what can we do about it and have the things we've been doing been working or not, and why,'' Kuiper said. The GKEPF gathered seven years of data on rhino poaching levels, as well as on the various anti-poaching interventions — tracker dogs; air support, including helicopters and planes; detection cameras equipped with artificial intelligence; anti-poaching patrols and rapid-response teams. 'Then there were the more alternative approaches like dehorning to make the rhino less attractive to poachers. What we found across seven years in 11 reserves, including one reserve in Mozambique, was that dehorning was the single most effective intervention. Wherever it was implemented, it resulted in a drastic decline in poaching,' Kuiper said. 'Statistically-speaking, we had eight different sites and were able to isolate these massive reductions in poaching and link them to the wide-scale dehorning of rhinos.' Dehorning rhinos to reduce incentives for poaching – with 2 284 rhinos dehorned across eight reserves – was found to achieve a 78% reduction in poaching, using just 1.2% of the overall rhino protection budget. This was based on a comparison between sites with and without dehorning as well as changes in poaching before and after dehorning. Reserves under the study invested R1 billion in anti-poaching interventions from 2017 to 2021. Most of the investment focused on reactive law enforcement — rangers, tracker dogs, helicopters, access controls and detection cameras — helping to achieve over 700 poacher arrests. It costs R10 200 per dehorning operation. 'But we failed to find evidence that those arrests translated into less future poaching,' he pointed out. 'So, on one level these interventions were successful but they did not result in the same level of reduction in poaching as dehorning did.' There are key reasons for this, including 'The internal involvement of reserve staff with the criminal syndicates who are driving poaching means that these syndicates and the poachers can get around the interventions because they have information on where the rangers are going to be, where the rhinos are, where the cameras are [and] where the dogs are,' Kuiper said. The region, too, suffers from a 'great deal of 'And, the criminal syndicates take advantage of these community members, for example by offering to give them loans, and when they can't pay back the loans, they say, 'Well, here's a gun. Help me with this rhino poaching operation.' 'It's not often as simple as that but these criminal syndicates take advantage of the socio-economic vulnerability of both rangers and others in order to get that internal information.' Finally, an ineffective criminal justice system means that arrested offenders often escape punishment, according to evidence from studies on 'The criminal justice system, the internal corruption and the 'In the worst case, these interventions may also isolate the people living around these reserves in terms of their involvement in conservation,' he said. Kuiper cautioned that dehorning must not be seen as a silver bullet. 'We did document over 100 dehorned rhinos being poached. The horn regrows, so in many of these cases, the horn had regrown quite a lot and the rhino was poached. 'This points to the need for regular dehorning but also points to the fact that syndicates are adapting and seem still to be willing to poach a rhino, even if there's only 5cm to 10cm of horn left on the rhino. But, of all of the interventions, we analysed it [dehorning] led to drastic reductions in poaching.' More recent evidence has emerged since the study concluded in 2023 suggesting that the poaching of dehorned rhinos is a growing challenge. Dehorning may also shift the focus of poachers to horned populations elsewhere, Kuiper noted. A multi-faceted approach is necessary. 'We need to look at wider systematic solutions addressing poverty, addressing socio-economic inequality, addressing the demand for rhino horn in consumer rates.' Sharon Hausmann, the chief executive of the GKEPF, which led the initiative by convening manager workshops and gathering data for the evaluation, said: 'The true value of this innovative study, conceived by GKEPF operational managers, lies in its collective critical thinking. Ensuring not only that operations are guided by science, but also that science is grounded in real experience from the frontline.' Markus Hofmeyr of the Rhino Recovery Fund, said: 'From a donor perspective, this study has given excellent insight where conservation donor funding can be spent and where to avoid funding.'
Daily Maverick
02-06-2025
- General
- Daily Maverick
Conservation world mourns loss of visionary leader Sharon Haussmann
Sharon Haussmann, a trailblazer in the field of conservation and the CEO of the Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation, has died. Her death last weekend has sent ripples of grief across the conservation community, where she was widely admired for her relentless drive, strategic brilliance and deep love of wildlife. Haussmann was more than a CEO – she was a connector, mentor and fierce protector of South Africa's natural heritage. Known for her wicked humour and capacity to inspire those around her, she led the Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation (GKEPF) through a pivotal period of transformation. With great skill, she united fragmented stakeholders, from private landowners to public institutions, forging partnerships in one of the country's most contested conservation landscapes. 'Sharon's leadership acumen was evident in every engagement,' said SANParks Board Chairperson Pam Yako in a statement on Monday, 2 June 2025. 'Her clarity of thought, strategic foresight and deep understanding of the complexities of conservation partnerships consistently elevated the quality of dialogue and decision-making.' Under Haussmann's leadership, GKEPF became a key strategic partner of the Kruger National Park and SANParks. Her work helped build the foundation for Vision 2040, SANParks' new agenda for inclusive, sustainable conservation. Yet her passion was always grounded in action. Whether darting rhinos, coordinating anti-poaching units or organising youth soccer tournaments in remote communities, Haussmann was hands-on. Her presence in Balule, where she lived, exemplified her commitment to living and working at the frontline of conservation challenges. 'She influenced, connected, persuaded and inspired,' said the GKEPF in a heartfelt Facebook tribute. 'From relocating rhinos to mentoring young rangers, Sharon approached every task with courage and enthusiasm.' She was especially devoted to rhinos and spotted hyenas – animals she defended with fervent conviction. But it was her people skills that made her irreplaceable. She had a rare ability to make others feel valued and empowered, never standing on ceremony, always leading from the front. Sharon Haussmann is survived by her husband, Robin Haussmann and their son, Aden. The GKEPF family expressed its heartbreak in a public statement, noting that 'her presence, strength, and leadership will be sorely missed'. SANParks said in a media statement that it would 'honour her memory by recommitting ourselves to the path she eloquently helped to forge – one of unity, innovation and unwavering dedication to the protection of our natural heritage'. Her legacy, etched into the landscapes she fought to protect, will live on in every rhino rescued, every fence line patrolled and every young conservationist she inspired. DM
The Citizen
02-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
LISTEN: Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation mourns CEO's passing
The Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation (GKEPF) has shared the news of the passing of its CEO, Sharon Haussmann. She passed away on Saturday, May 31, at the age of 55. The GKEPF said her death was sudden and unexpected. Haussmann is survived by her husband, Robin Haussmann, and their son, Aden, along with her mother, Marie Hearne, her father, Steven Hearne, and her brother, Ralf Hearne. SANParks Pays Tribute to the Late Ms. Sharon Haussmann, CEO of GKEPF SANParks expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Ms. Sharon Haussmann, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation (GKEPF). — SANParks (@SANParks) June 2, 2025 The GKEPF described Haussmann as a friend to her colleagues and to anyone who crossed her path in the world of conservation. 'Trained as an engineer and accomplished as an entrepreneur, Sharon never missed an opportunity to do better in all that she did, starting with her cherished area of Balule, which she made her home. She took the GKEPF helm at a time when the region was in dire need of an experienced and accomplished co-ordinator,' said GKEPF in a statement. 'In a landscape marked by complex challenges, she had a rare ability to bring people together, from communities living on the edges of Kruger and Mozambique, to captains of the industry and reserve managers across the Greater Kruger,' read the statement. The GKEPF says Haussmann will be remembered for her sense of humour, her love of the celebration of hard work and a job well done, her relentless vision and drive, as well as her passion for wildlife, especially her rhinos and spotted hyenas. LISTEN HERE: 'She made things happen. She influenced, connected, persuaded and inspired. Whether relocating rhinos from Klerksdorp to Kruger, monitoring fences in government reserves, darting rhinos, or organising youth soccer tournaments, Sharon approached every task with courage and enthusiasm,' reads the statement. ALSO READ: Poaching affects everyone, says KNP SANParks has expressed its deepest condolences to Haussmann's family, friends and colleagues. SANParks says Haussmann's passing came at a critical time in the history of conservation in the country. Her death came at the time when SANParks is embarking on a new strategic direction, Vision 2040, which places collaboration, sustainability and inclusive conservation at the heart of building resilient protected areas. 'Sharon's leadership acumen was evident in every engagement. Her clarity of thought, strategic foresight and deep understanding of the complexities of conservation partnerships consistently elevated the quality of dialogue and decision making. It was through her vision and determination that the GKEPF was established, becoming a strategic partner to both the Kruger National Park and SANParks,' reacted the SANParks board chairperson, Pam Yako, following the news. 'May her legacy continue to inspire us as we walk the trail she so courageously blazed. May her soul rest in peace,' added Yako. The James Mayinga Foundation, which worked together with Haussmann, making a difference in influencing social cohesion through sport, and uniting conservation and communities through sport, told Lowvelder that a giant has been lost. ALOS READ: Game rangers' association labels former Kruger National Park regional ranger a disgrace 'We have lost a trailblazer who led from the front. It is with deep sorrow that we join the GKEPF family in mourning the passing of their remarkable CEO,' said James Mayinga, the founder of the James Mayinga Foundation. 'At the James Mayinga Foundation we were privileged to work alongside Sharon and witness her unwavering commitment to building a better future for both people and nature. Her legacy will live on through the conservation work she led with heart and courage. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends and the entire GKEPF team. The Chairperson of Balule Private Nature Reserve, Sharon Haussmann, says this is a huge step towards the right direction for #Conservation. #TheGreaterKruger — Kruger National Park (@SANParksKNP) March 19, 2019 At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
