KZN game reserves under attack in South Africa

Article written by Tamlyn Head
Originally published by Zululand Observer (Wed, Dec 13, 2023)

The numbers are in and paint a bleak picture of rhino poaching in KZN

The numbers are in and paint a bleak picture of rhino poaching in KZN.

As at 5 December, the total number of rhinos poached in the province’s reserves this year was 295.

This staggering figure is compared with 244 last year and just 102 in 2021.

While Covid restrictions, which were fully lifted only in July 2021, could account for the low poaching numbers that year, the spike this year is worrying.

With Kruger National Park stepping up anti-poaching efforts, poachers’ eyes have turned to KZN reserves, both public and private.

According to the NPO Dogs4Wildlife, 29 rhino have been poached in the last 40 days alone.

“[This year’s figures are] a 20.9% increase from 2022 and a 189.2% increase from 2021,” said the NPO.

Banner image: Dave Savides