South Africa’s Rhinos Face Extinction: 499 Killed in Latest Setback
South African Environment Minister Barbara Creecy has expressed concern over the increasing number of rhino poaching cases, despite efforts to protect the species. In her recent statement, Creecy revealed that in 2023, there were 499 rhinos poached, marking a 51% increase from the previous year.
According to data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), Africa is home to a total of 23,290 rhinos, including 6,487 black rhinos and 16,803 white rhinos. South Africa, in particular, is leading in rhino conservation efforts, with approximately two-thirds of the continent’s rhino population residing within its borders. Over 15,000 rhinos, including over 2,000 black rhinos, are currently under protection in the wild in South Africa.
Despite stringent measures and heavy penalties for rhino poaching, the country has witnessed a rise in the illegal slaughter of these majestic creatures in recent years. Poachers target rhinos for their valuable horns, which are used to make jewelry and ornaments in some Asian countries. The horns, considered a symbol of status, can fetch tens of thousands of dollars per kilogram in the international market, leading to the decline of the rhino population from 65,000 to around 6,500 black rhinos in the last fifty years.
The spike in poaching incidents highlights the urgent need for greater international cooperation and stronger enforcement measures to protect rhinos from extinction. The South African government remains committed to safeguarding these endangered animals and is exploring new strategies to combat the illegal trade threatening their survival.
