Wildlife Crime
latest news & developments
SA’s rhinos population rises by nearly 5% in 2025 but 230 rhinos killed by poachers this year
South Africa's rhino population grew by nearly 5% in 2025 amid expanding conservation and translocation efforts, though 230 rhinos were killed by poachers in the first eight…
Groenewald case highlights challenges of prosecuting wildlife crime kingpins
The conviction of hunting safari operator Dawie Groenewald in the world’s largest rhino horn trafficking investigation highlights the complexity of organised wildlife crime and…
World's largest rhino horn trafficking case ends with conviction of Dawie Groenewald
After more than 15 years, hunting safari operator Dawie Groenewald, described as the mastermind behind the world's largest rhino horn trafficking investigation, has been…
Illegal wildlife trade, habitat loss and climate stress driving rapid biodiversity decline in SA
Freshwater fish, sharks, rays, endemic plants and iconic mammals are among the country’s fastest-declining species, as invasive species, reduced freshwater flows and pollution…
Hidden hitchhikers: Ticks on trafficked pangolins pose health threats
Scientists warn that ticks carried by trafficked pangolins may spread pathogens across continents, affecting people and animals
Illegal succulent trade is the Western Cape’s most prevalent wildlife crime
CapeNature says 650 species and more than 1.2 million harvested wild plants have been seized in the past four years
Parliamentary committee briefed on theft of 51 rhino horns
We did all we could to make sure our vault was highly secured, says North West Parks and Tourism Board
Corruption at the helm of wildlife crimes, Wildlife Justice Commission report finds
The international organisation has released a study on the link between corruption and wildlife crimes
Canine hero Sasa’s victory against wildlife crime in Mozambique
The dog’s help in busting a smuggler is another blow to poaching and the illegal wildlife trade
African rats are being used to sniff out wildlife crime
Two nonprofits are training African giant pouched rats to detect smuggled contraband in shipping containers
Rhino poaching must be tackled as crime crisis, not as a conservation crisis
Wildlife Justice Commission says law enforcement agencies must address it as transnational organised crime
Direct jail sentences a win in fight against South Africa’s illegal wildlife trade
Collaboration between the various state agencies and specialist prosecutors are needed to break the illicit value chain of wildlife trafficking