Thu Dec 18 04:10:08 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and rewrite of the provided text as a news article:

Summary:

A new study has found that dehorning rhinos significantly reduces poaching incidents, offering a promising strategy for conservation efforts in regions like Greater Kruger in South Africa. While anti-poaching measures like patrols and surveillance are crucial, dehorning proves to be a highly effective deterrent. However, researchers also emphasize the importance of supporting and empowering local rangers, as well as addressing systemic corruption to achieve long-term success. The article acknowledges that the strategy might not be necessary in areas like India and Nepal, where community engagement and smart patrolling have led to success in rhino conservation.

News Article:

Dehorning Rhinos Proves a Powerful Weapon Against Poaching in South Africa

Bengaluru, December 18, 2025 – A groundbreaking study published in Science reveals that dehorning rhinos significantly reduces poaching incidents, offering a beacon of hope for the endangered species. Researchers from Nelson Mandela University found that dehorning led to a dramatic 78% drop in poaching within reserves in the South African portion of the Greater Kruger region.

The study, conducted over seven years, analyzed data from 11 reserves and tracked poaching trends before and after the implementation of dehorning programs. According to the study, dehorned rhinos are at a 95% lower risk of being poached compared to their horned counterparts.

“Managers, rangers and scientists came together and asked a bold question: why are we still losing so many rhinos? What can we do differently?,” said Tim Kuiper, senior lecturer at Nelson Mandela University and study member.

Rhino horns, composed of keratin, are highly sought after on the black market, fetching prices between $3,382 and $22,257 per kilogram. This demand fuels poaching, threatening rhino populations across Africa and Asia. The rhino’s horn isn’t a weapon for hunting; rhinos are primarily vegetarians.

While acknowledging the importance of other anti-poaching measures, such as ranger patrols and technology-based surveillance, the study found that dehorning proved to be the most effective deterrent. However, the researchers caution that dehorning should not be seen as a singular solution. They highlight the need to empower and support local rangers through fair pay, training, and safety measures. Systemic corruption, which can undermine anti-poaching efforts, must also be addressed.

Not all regions require dehorning. In India and Nepal, where conservation efforts have focused on community engagement and smart patrolling, rhino populations are relatively stable. These strategies are working in Kaziranga National Park in Assam.

The study’s findings provide valuable insights for governments and wildlife protection agencies, informing resource allocation and the development of effective conservation strategies. The labour-intensive nature of such research highlights the need to involve those on the ground in conservation efforts. Rangers in particular are often locals and possess regional ecological knowledge, but this resource remains underutilised.

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