Johannesburg (AFP) - Rhino poaching almost doubled in 2025 in South Africa's Kruger National Park from the previous year, the government reported Tuesday.

First modification: 02/10/2026 - 16:53

South Africa is home to the largest population of rhinos in the world, whose horns fetch high prices on the black market.

Kruger, one of Africa's largest national parks, lost 175 rhinos to poaching in 2025, up from 88 the previous year, the environment ministry said in a statement.

Across the country, poachers killed 352 rhinos last year, 16% fewer than in 2024, the ministry said, attributing the decline to dehorning programs and the use of advanced cameras and sensors.

The park also conducted polygraph tests on park guards that led to the firing of seven employees.

South Africa has the largest population of rhinos in the world. In 2024 it had about 14,390, more than 80% white rhinos, according to the International Rhino Foundation. The world population amounts to about 26,700 individuals.

The Environment Ministry did not specify whether the poached animals were white or black rhinos, a species classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

© 2026 AFP

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