In a bold bid to protect Africa’s dwindling rhino population, conservationists are turning to an unexpected solution—removing their iconic horns. A new seven-year study in and around South Africa’s Kruger National Park reveals that dehorning more than 2,000 rhinos reduced poaching by a staggering 78%. By stripping poachers of their prize, the method offers a lifeline, though concerns about long-term impacts on rhino behavior remain. While the process must be repeated every 12 to 18 months, researchers found no major negative effects on breeding or survival. Still, experts stress dehorning is only part of the answer, calling for better law enforcement and ranger support to end the poaching crisis.
AfricaNews
