WINDHOEK, May 7– Namibia recorded eight rhino poaching cases between January and April this year, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism said Wednesday.
The ministry said seven of the rhinos were poached in Etosha National Park, the country’s flagship wildlife conservation area and a major tourist attraction, while one case was recorded on a private farm.
As part of its anti-poaching response, the ministry said 147 rhinos were immobilized and dehorned in 2025 under a broader strategy to reduce risks to the animals and strengthen wildlife protection.
Moreover, the ministry said more than 350 million Namibian dollars (about 21.5 million U.S. dollars) has been allocated in the current financial year to state-protected areas to strengthen conservation efforts, improve protection and promote the sustainable use of wildlife species and their habitats.
The ministry said it would continue working with law enforcement agencies, conservation partners and local communities to curb poaching and protect the country’s wildlife resources.
Rhino poaching has remained a persistent conservation challenge in Namibia, which is home to important populations of black and white rhinos.
Etosha has been a particular focus of anti-poaching operations due to its ecological and tourism value. In April, Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Lucia Iipumbu said Namibia recorded a 50 percent reduction in wildlife crime during the 2025/26 financial year, following intensified anti-poaching operations and enhanced law enforcement measures. (Namibia Daily News / Xinhua)
