Environment ministry records decline in rhino and elephant poaching

By: Envaalde Matheus

The environment and tourism ministry has recorded a decline in wildlife poaching, with 24 rhinos killed so far this year compared to 43 last year, while elephant poaching has also fallen to five recorded killings in 2025.

Deputy executive director in the ministry, Colgar Sikopo, said the reduction is linked to closer cooperation between government agencies, law enforcement, communities, farmers and the private sector.

Sikopo made the remarks in Windhoek on Monday during the launch of the ministry’s new 10-year wildlife protection and law enforcement strategy, which seeks to strengthen the response to wildlife crime.

He said the continued killing of rhinos, elephants and pangolins shows that wildlife crime remains a threat.

“We’re still seeing rhinos being hunted for their horns. This year alone we have lost 24 rhinos, illegally hunted, and therefore that threat is there. The threat is still there in the illegal killing of our elephants, the pangolin skin, but yes, now we even see the succulent plants,” he said.

Sikopo said the threat persists as criminals target wildlife and natural resources for products that command value on illegal markets.

“As much as there has been improvement, we are seeing very much a reduction in the poaching of rhinos, poaching of elephants, but the threat remains,” he said.

Environment minister, Indileni Daniel, says wildlife and environmental crime is draining the economy, with hundreds of millions spent fighting illicit activities threatening tourism, livelihoods and natural resources.

“These crimes bleed our economy dry. They directly erode our tourism vitality and comprise the vast chain of economic benefits that contribute immensely to our gross domestic product,” she said.

The strategy also places greater emphasis on technology, anti corruption and forensic investigations, with the ministry working with the police and other stakeholders to strengthen the fight against wildlife crime.

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