SA Launches Rhino Renaissance to Rebuild White Rhino Numbers Using Tech

The campaign, spearheaded by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, leverages cutting-edge technology, coordinated enforcement, and global partnerships to reverse years of poaching-induced decline.

In a bold and forward-looking conservation initiative, South Africa has launched the Rhino Renaissance Campaign, a decade-long strategy aimed at restoring the white rhino population in Kruger National Park from just over 2,000 to an ambitious target of 12,000 individuals. The campaign, spearheaded by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, leverages cutting-edge technology, coordinated enforcement, and global partnerships to reverse years of poaching-induced decline.

Unveiled on Tuesday by Minister Dr Dion George at Kruger National Park, the campaign combines 24/7 tracking, targeted dehorning, genetic tagging, enforcement coordination, and international diplomacy to protect one of South Africa’s most iconic and endangered species.

“They are not just protecting rhino. They are protecting livelihoods, family legacies, and the possibility of green jobs for a generation to come,” Minister George said, referencing the 90 rhino monitors who will be trained and deployed each year starting in 2025.

A G20 Legacy for Global Support

Significantly, the Rhino Renaissance Campaign has been adopted as a G20 Legacy Project under South Africa’s presidency of the Group of Twenty (G20), which it assumed in December 2024 under the banner of “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.”

The campaign is expected to rally international diplomatic, financial, and technical support to scale up South Africa’s conservation efforts and strengthen enforcement mechanisms across the Global South.

“This work does not stand alone. We are fighting wildlife crime on every front,” said the Minister. “No country or sector can tackle this threat alone.”

Technology-Driven Conservation

The strategy embraces modern conservation technology, including:

• Daily rhino tracking using drones, GPS collars, and digital monitoring systems

• DNA tagging and genetic research to support population management

• Real-time digital reporting to enforcement teams

• Data-driven deployment of anti-poaching units

These systems aim to offer precision protection for rhino herds and allow law enforcement to act preemptively rather than reactively. By combining high-tech surveillance with on-the-ground intelligence, South Africa is reshaping its conservation response in the digital era.

Integrated Enforcement and Wildlife Crime Strategy

The Rhino Renaissance Campaign is rooted in the broader National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking, which is aligned with the country’s Medium-Term Development Plan. The integrated approach unites key government departments—Environment, Police, Justice, Border Management, and Intelligence—alongside SANParks, provincial conservation entities, private stakeholders, and local communities.

“At its heart is a commitment to a fair and sustainable future—one where our iconic wildlife supports livelihoods, uplifts communities, and strengthens our national identity,” said George.

South Africa is also intensifying cross-border cooperation and intelligence-sharing through partnerships with Interpol, CITES, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Finalising bilateral enforcement agreements with rhino horn destination countries remains a strategic priority.

Tangible Progress in Poaching Reduction

As of June 2025, 195 rhinos had been poached nationwide, marking a decrease of 35 animals compared to the same period in 2024. Notably, June recorded the lowest monthly poaching figures of the year, with only 22 rhinos killed.

The Kruger National Park, while still a prime target, saw rhino losses decline from 30 in February to just 11 in May and June.

“These numbers are a stark reminder that the threat remains real and unrelenting. But they also show that progress is possible,” said George.

Dehorning: A Tactical, Life-Saving Strategy

One of the campaign’s central protective measures is dehorning rhinos to remove the primary incentive for poachers. While controversial, the method has proven effective in reducing poaching risk without harming the animals.

“Dehorning does not harm the animal. It saves its life. It buys us time—to restore numbers, upgrade security, and disrupt demand,” George noted.

Rewilding and Relocation Successes

The campaign also highlights successful rewilding and relocation efforts, including:

• The transfer of 2,000 rhinos from African Parks to safe havens across South Africa

• Population growth in Munyawana Conservancy and other regions

• Cross-border conservation work in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and across the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area

South Africa has also identified safe havens in Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Botswana, expanding the landscape for rhino conservation through regional partnerships.

Jobs, Communities, and Green Futures

Beyond biodiversity, the Rhino Renaissance supports a broader vision of green jobs, community upliftment, and economic resilience. The government is building alliances with private landowners in Integrated Wildlife Zones, aiming to create a conservation economy that balances ecological and socio-economic goals.

The initiative also complements the Renewable Energy Masterplan, where South Africa hopes to generate 25,000 new jobs and attract R15 billion in investment by 2030 in clean energy industries—demonstrating the government’s cross-cutting commitment to sustainability.

Hope for the White Rhino

The Rhino Renaissance Campaign is more than a conservation plan—it is a national commitment to resilience, innovation, and legacy building. Backed by the global spotlight of the G20, and fuelled by local dedication, the initiative may well offer a model for wildlife recovery and environmental justice not just for South Africa, but for the world.