In South Africa, poachers killed 103 rhinos in the first three months of 2025, largely within national parks. Environment Minister Dion George described the average rate of more than one rhino killed daily as a stark reminder of the challenges wildlife face. With a rhino population of 16,000 to 18,000, including critically endangered black rhinos, authorities are targeting criminal syndicates responsible for the poaching. The demand for rhino horn, primarily in Asia, has led to almost 10,000 rhinos killed in Africa over the past decade. A notable arrest last year included a poaching kingpin sentenced to 27 years in Mozambique.