Article written by Euronews Green
Originally published by Euronews (May 6, 2025)
South Africa has the largest rhino population in the world, with an estimated 16,000 to 18,000 animals.
Poachers in South Africa killed more than 100 rhinos in the first three months of this year, most of them inside national parks, highlighting an ongoing battle to protect one of the best-known endangered species.
South African Environment Minister Dion George announced the figures Monday and said that of the 103 rhinos killed between 1 January and 31 March, 65 were poached in national parks.
The average of more than one rhino killed a day is in line with last year's count and “a stark reminder of the relentless threat to our wildlife,” George said.
Who is killing South Africa's rhinos?
South Africa has the largest rhino population in the world, with an estimated 16,000 to 18,000 animals, according to conservation groups. That includes black and white rhinos.
Black rhinos are only found in the wild in Africa and are listed as critically endangered, with around 6,400 left, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Around 2,000 are in South Africa.
