Worst rhino poaching in over a decade
Namibia experienced one of its worst years for rhino poaching in over a decade, with 81 rhinos illegally killed in 2024.Authorities arrested 77 suspects for rhino-related crimes, 73 of whom were Namibian nationals.
According to a document Namibia submitted at the 78th Standing Committee meeting of the United Nations' Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Geneva, Switzerland, the country's poaching crisis peaked in 2015, when 97 rhinos were killed, followed by 2018 with 84 cases, and 2022 with 94 poached rhinos.
The meeting, held from 3 to 8 February, highlighted that while Namibia saw a slight decrease in rhino poaching cases in 2023, with 77 cases reported, the threat remained high due to an unprecedented number of incursions into rhino habitats. The trend continued into 2024, making it the fourth worst year on record, with 81 rhinos lost.
Anti-poaching efforts
In response to the crisis, Namibia implemented several strategic interventions in May 2024, which contributed to a significant decline in poaching numbers. While 59 rhinos were poached in the first half of the year, only 22 were lost in the second half.
Authorities confiscated 14 rhino horns in 2024, compared to 21 in 2023. Seventy-seven suspects were arrested for rhino-related crimes, with 59 still in custody and 18 released on bail at the time of reporting. Law enforcement also seized 15 firearms and impounded six vehicles linked to poaching activities. Of the arrested suspects, 73 were Namibian nationals, while the remaining four were Angolan citizens allegedly linked to smuggling networks.
Namibia has intensified efforts to combat poaching through enhanced training, surveillance and collaboration. The Revised National Strategy on Wildlife Protection and Law Enforcement (2021–2025) serves as the country's guiding framework for conservation, enforcement, and community engagement. This strategy was revised in June 2024 to incorporate integrity management systems as a key focus area.
To improve anti-poaching operations, specialised horse units have been introduced in two national parks. Additionally, CCTV surveillance systems supported by advanced control rooms have been installed in strategic locations to enhance monitoring and security efforts.
National and international collaboration
To combat wildlife crime effectively, Namibia has been working closely with national law enforcement agencies. The Namibian Police, the National Defence Force (NDF), and National Intelligence have collaborated through the Blue Rhino Task Team (BRTT), which handles cases involving rhinos, elephants and pangolins. The government has also partnered with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) such as Save the Rhino Trust – Namibia (SRT) and the Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC), particularly in the Kunene Region.
At the international level, Namibia has strengthened ties with neighbouring countries and global law enforcement agencies. In June 2024, the government officially approved the Black Rhinoceros Custodianship Programme Strategy (2024–2033), which aims to improve cooperation with private landowners involved in rhino conservation.
Furthermore, Namibian authorities have been working closely with Interpol and Angolan law enforcement agencies to track and dismantle poaching syndicates, as most Namibian rhino horns are trafficked through Angola.
With continued efforts and strategic partnerships, Namibia aims to further curb poaching and protect its rhino population.