Threats Plague Kruger National Park Rhinos; Population Declines by 16.2% in 2022 Despite Decreased Poaching

Kruger National Park's prized rhinoceros population sees an alarming decline of 16.2% during 2022, bringing their total number down to 2,060. This figure was presented in the recently released SANParks' Annual Report for 2022/2023.

Although the report suggests a significant drop in rhino poaching, down by 49.74%, the threats to rhinos in Kruger remain relentlessly high, driving catastrophic population declines.

Notably, more than 124 rhinos fell to poaching in 2022, reflecting a rate of one rhino every three days. These figures point to an extremely concerning situation, despite improved measures.

With mounting pressure due to poaching, SANParks reports a 19.58% decline of rhinos in the main conservation areas of the park. This trend indicates a migration of rhino population in response to poaching threats.

The report's emphasis on relative success in smaller national parks outside Kruger and the drop in poaching rates seems to ignore the larger issue of the overall decline of rhino populations in the park.

Regarding rhino deaths, the report remains silent on explaining the discrepancy between poaching numbers and the consistent decrease in rhino populations since 2011.

In an effort to safeguard rhinos, an estimated 70% of Kruger’s rhino population was dehorned during the 2022/2023 reporting period. However, the steady decline of rhino numbers remains worrisome.

Within the context of anti-poaching efforts, controversial issues such as internal corruption have surfaced. Attempts by SANParks to tackle these issues through measures like integrity testing have not seen widespread acceptance.

SANParks' recent report seems to lack the necessary sense of urgency required to address the crisis threatening rhinos. With the focus on reduced poaching failing to make a significant difference, the situation calls for a more coordinated effort to curtail the continued erosion of Kruger's rhino population.