The study conducted between 2017 and 2023 in the Greater Kruger region of South Africa has revealed significant findings on rhino conservation efforts. The research analyzed data from 11 reserves, which together hold about 25% of Africa's rhino population. During this period, approximately 1,985 rhinos were poached annually for their horns.
Dr. Tim Kuiper of Nelson Mandela University led the study, highlighting that dehorning rhinos reduced poaching by 78%, using only a small fraction (1.2%) of the overall rhino protection budget. "Dehorning rhinos to reduce incentives for poaching (2,284 rhinos were dehorned across eight reserves) was found to achieve a 78% reduction in poaching," Dr. Kuiper stated.
Despite these positive results, some challenges remain as poachers continue targeting horn stumps and regrowth on dehorned rhinos. Recent evidence suggests this issue is becoming more prevalent.
Professor E.J. Milner-Gulland from the University of Oxford contributed expert advice on bioeconomics and impact evaluation for the study. She noted its broader implications: "This study has important implications, not just for rhino management, but also more broadly for conservationists planning and implementing interventions."
From 2017 to 2021, $74 million was invested in anti-poaching measures like law enforcement and surveillance technology in the studied reserves. However, these did not statistically reduce poaching incidents significantly.
Sharon Hausmann, CEO of the Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation (GKEPF), emphasized the importance of integrating scientific insights with practical experience: "The true value of this innovative study...lies in its collective critical thinking."
Dr. Markus Hofmeyr from the Rhino Recovery Fund remarked on how donor funding can be better directed based on these findings.
The collaboration involved reserve managers under GKEPF and scientists from several universities including Oxford and Cape Town. Partners also included South African National Parks and World Wildlife Fund South Africa.
The research titled 'Dehorning reduces rhino poaching' is published in Science.