Dehorning Works: Study Shows 78% Drop in Rhino Poaching
Dehorning Works: Study Shows 78% Drop in Rhino Poaching
A team of scientists, conservationists, and officials—led by Timothy Kuiper from Nelson Mandela University—spent seven years studying rhinos across 11 southern African reserves in a groundbreaking study.
The research found that dehorning rhinos is a cost-effective way to curb poaching, particularly when paired with strong law enforcement efforts.
Key numbers and findings:
⦁ 1985 rhinos poached (~6.5% annually), despite $74 million invested in anti-poaching efforts.
⦁ 2284 rhinos were dehorned, at a cost of just ~1.2% of the total budget.
⦁ Traditional law enforcement showed no significant statistical reduction in poaching despite high investment.
⦁ Some poaching of dehorned rhinos continued (mainly targeting horn regrowth), indicating a need for regular maintenance.
"Whereas cameras, dogs, and rangers can be avoided by poachers with internal information, dehorning cannot," the study emphasized.
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