Rhino Dehorning Shows Major Drop in Poaching Across Greater Kruger, New Study Finds

Poaching of African rhinos fell sharply after wildlife teams used large‑scale rhino dehorning in key reserves in South Africa. The findings were released after a seven‑year study across the Greater Kruger region. The work comes as fewer than 28,000 rhinos remain worldwide, and poaching continues to push the species toward danger.

The new report says dehorning cut poaching by more than 75 percent in several reserves. The research covers data from 2017 to 2023 and tracks how the method changed poacher behavior. According to Reuters, Greater Kruger has lost nearly 2,000 rhinos in recent years despite heavy spending on patrols and surveillance.

Rhino Dehorning Cuts Poaching Rates, Study Shows

Researchers from an international team studied 11 reserves in the South African side of Greater Kruger. They looked at regions with dehorned rhinos and compared them to places where horns were left intact. They found that dehorning removed the main reason poachers strike, since rhino horn is the product they target.

The Greater Kruger area lost 1,985 rhinos between 2017 and 2023. That is close to 6.5 percent of the population each year. Reserves spend millions on guards, dogs, drones, and other tools. Yet many poachers still enter, often pushed by high horn prices and poverty.

The team reported that 2,284 rhinos were dehorned during the study period. After this step, poaching dropped by 78 percent in reserves that acted quickly. They noted that dehorning costs only a small share of anti‑poaching budgets. The method also lowers risk to each animal without harming long‑term horn regrowth.

Researchers also found that arrests alone did not change poaching levels. They said weak justice systems and corruption reduce the effect of police action. This allows traffickers to bypass risk and continue the trade.

Why the Method Matters for Long‑Term Rhino Protection

The global black market for rhino horn remains strong. According to AP News reports, the horn can sell for thousands of dollars per kilogram and is used as a status symbol or in traditional medicine. This demand pressures local communities, where poachers take huge risks for quick payment.

Dehorning is done under sedation by trained teams. They remove most of the horn but leave the living tissue so the horn can grow back. The cut area is cleaned and sealed. This keeps the animal safe and reduces stress.

Some regions, such as India’s Kaziranga National Park, have not needed dehorning. Strong patrol work and local community support have helped keep poaching very low there. Experts say this shows that different regions need different tools.

Still, many African reserves see dehorning as one of the few proven ways to protect animals right now. Rangers remain the frontline workers. Researchers say they need better pay, training, and safety. They add that long‑term conservation depends on supporting these teams.

The new study shows that rhino dehorning can protect animals in areas hit hard by poaching. The method removes the main reward for criminals and helps teams buy time for long‑term wildlife recovery.

Info at your fingertips-

Q1: How does rhino dehorning stop poaching?

Dehorning removes most of the horn, which is what poachers want. With little value left, poachers avoid the animal. This cuts poaching pressure fast.

Q2: Is dehorning safe for rhinos?

Yes. Teams sedate the rhino and trim the horn above the living tissue. The horn grows back over time, and the animal is not harmed.

Q3: How many rhinos were studied?

The study tracked 2,284 dehorned rhinos across eight main reserves. Data came from 11 reserves across Greater Kruger from 2017 to 2023.

Q4: Why do poachers still kill dehorned rhinos?

Some poachers want to take even the small stump left behind. Every gram has value in the black market. But overall risk is far lower after dehorning.

Q5: What drives rhino horn demand?

High demand comes from status use and traditional medicine in some Asian regions. There is no scientific proof of medical benefits.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, AP News, BBC News, Wildlife Justice Commission report.