Evaluating the cost and effectiveness of rhino conservation interventions in the Greater Kruger

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South Africa conserves the majority of Africa’s rhinos. Most of the national population resides in the Greater Kruger system (an open, unfenced landscape).Many years of high poaching losses in the Kruger National Park reduced populations to less than 3 000 white rhinos and approximately 300 black by the end of 2021. This represents a population reduction of 65% for white rhinos since 2011, and 35% for black rhinos.

Project goal: to maximise insight into the cost and effectiveness of rhino conservation interventions in the Greater Kruger by combining robust statistical analysis with manager insights and operational experience. We hope this will inform the decision-making of reserve managers, government wildlife authorities, various non-governmental organisations, and local to global funding agencies.

Evidence-based conservation: We conducted an empirical statistical analysis to relate monthly data on rhino poaching losses to the implementation of several rhino protection interventions from 11 reserves (9 private and 2 state reserves, incl. Kruger NP) over 5 years (2017-2021).

Interventions analysed: Access control, camera technologies, K9 units, integrity (polygraph) testing, dehorning, detection zones, air support, ranger training and equipment, rhino monitoring, fences, and fence alarms.

Contact details for media and other enquiries
Sharon Haussmann, Project Lead, sharon@gkepf.org
Dr Timothy Kuiper, Data Analyst, timothykuiper@gmail.com