Cutting branches is the most effective measure to protect rhinos from illegal hunting

2025/06/05 Etxebeste Aduriz, Egoitz - Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Ingurumena

Cutting the horns of the rhinos drastically reduces their illegal hunting. This is the conclusion of a study published in the journal Science. In fact, illegal hunting is a major threat to the five rhino species in the world, and the purpose of such hunts is usually the horns of rhinos.

The study was conducted in South Africa, in the Greater Kruger region, one of the most important rhino refuges, where a quarter of African rhinos live. In particular, the data collected in 11 reserves of this region between 2017 and 2023 have been analyzed. A total of 1,985 illegal hunts were documented, representing approximately 6.5 per cent of the population per year.

Branches were cut from 2,284 rhinoceros, and comparisons were made between the uncut and cut areas of the branches, and before and after cutting the branches in the same areas. This is how it has been calculated that cutting branches reduces illegal hunting by 78%. It has been observed that illegal hunting is not avoided altogether, as rhinoceros are also hunted for short horns and regenerated horns.

Multi-million dollar investments are made to protect rhinos from illegal hunting. Most of the investment is used directly against hunters: guards, dogs, helicopters, access controls, cameras, etc. The researchers have also measured the effectiveness of these measures and found no statistical evidence that significantly reduces illegal hunting. They point out that this has a lot to do with the local socio-economic situation, such as poverty (which encourages people to take risks), and corruption.

In this study, they had 1.2% of the rhino protection budget sufficient to cut branches and reduce illegal hunting by 78%.