Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa says government’s strategy to combat rhino poaching has contributed to the decrease in the illegal trade.

Speaking in Pretoria, Molewa said the biggest decline in rhino poaching was registered in and around the Kruger National Park.

She says nationally rhino poaching went down to 1 020 last year as compared to 1 054 in 2016.

“We continue to register some success in our fight against Rhino poaching, but we are equally aware that the battle is not yet over.”

Molewa says the decrease in the poaching rate in the Kruger National Park is as a result of all stakeholders working together.

“The increase in other provinces coupled with the sharp rise in elephant poaching tells us that as we progress and evolve, so do the techniques and methods of the poachers. It’s up to us therefore to remain ahead of the game at all times.”