Concerted effort to save South Africa's dwindling rhino population

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.

- ZAINUL DAWOOD

This was said by Dion George, MP, and Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), said at the Rhino Renaissance Campaign launch on Tuesday.

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 2000 to 12000 within the next decade.

Annual statistics revealed that 195 rhino 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.

"Once nearly extinct, the white rhino population stood at fewer than 100 individuals in the early 20th century. But South Africa acted," he said.