The number of rhinos killed by poachers for their horns in South Africa in 2018 has decreased by 25% compared to 2017, thanks to the tireless efforts of the authorities to stop the destruction. of this iconic animal for Africa.

The number of rhinos killed by poachers for horns in South Africa in 2018 has decreased by 25% compared to 2017. Artwork: timeslive.co.za

The Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Pretoria quoted the South African Ministry of Environment as saying that 769 rhinos were poached in the country in 2018, and this is the first time since 2012 the number of rhinos poached a year falls below 1,000 individuals.

In recent years, in addition to the rangers, South Africa has increased the mobilization of forces such as police, intelligence and special forces to participate in the fight against rhino poaching. In addition, the country conducts a wide range of national and international media campaigns, from the widespread publication of propaganda publications to the manufacture and sale of plastic rhino horn for mounting on car roofs to raise people's awareness.

In addition, the South African Ministry of Environment said that the deployment of mobile radar stations to control poaching groups contributed to the number of rhinos killed by up to 8%, especially in densely populated areas. high allocation. In addition, the decrease in the number of rhinos due to poaching over the years has also been considered as a cause for poachers to find targets.

According to South African Environment Ministry data, the number of rhinos at Kruger Park - South Africa's largest nature reserve and also the highest concentration of rhino in Africa - has dropped by nearly 50% in four years. over, from 9,000 in 2014 to 5,000 in 2018. In 2014 alone, 1,215 rhinos were killed individually in South Africa and became one of the darkest years for animals. dates back to prehistoric times.

South Africa is also home to about 20,000 white rhinos, accounting for 80% of the total white rhino worldwide.