Fight against wildlife crime shows success

Good news for Namibia's nature: The number of registered cases of wildlife crime has halved in the past five years. This is according to the Namibian government's 2025 'Wildlife Protection and Law Enforcement' Report, circulated this week by the Namibian Chamber of Environment (NCE).

More precisely, the number fell from 468 cases in 2021 to 231 in 2025. This represents a decrease of 51 percent. The number of arrests of suspects also halved during the same period, from 887 to 440.

The decline in poaching was even more pronounced. Compared to the dramatic peak of 268 registered cases in 2019, the number last year was 86. That is a welcome decrease of 70 percent.

Regarding the three particularly affected animal species – pangolin, rhinoceros and elephant – the number of cases fell from 181 in 2019 to 59 in 2025. A remarkable 67 percent decrease. A closer look at rhino poaching reveals 70 registered cases in 2019 and 41 last year.

Another encouraging figure is the number of arrests made before the planned attack. Meaning successful arrests made before the suspected poachers could reach the rhino. These arrests accounted for 45 percent of all poacher arrests over the past seven years.

Cover of the 'Wildlife Protection and Law Enforcement Report Namibia 2025'. Source: Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT)

Concerted action against wildlife criminals

Experts attribute these successes to several factors. One is the commitment of individuals within the participating organisations. However, even more crucial seems to be the structural cooperation between institutions and stakeholders.

On the governmental side, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), the police, and the army are involved. The Namibia Revenue Agency and the Anti-Corruption Commission also assist. In addition, national and regional non-governmental organisations, private companies, and donors are taking part.

The 'Blue Rhino Task Team' (see brochure from 2022) plays a key role in the fight against wildlife crime. It serves as a national hub for cooperation among law enforcement agencies and for data processing and management.

Another key player is the Environmental Crimes Court (ECC) in Otjiwarongo. It was officially inaugurated in August 2024 and has been fully operational since January 2025. Given the overburdened courts, its specialisation is intended to expedite the prosecution of wildlife and environmental crimes.

However, it is still too early to celebrate. Experts point out that too much time still elapses between arrest and prosecution, that too many suspects spend far too long in custody, and that the backlog of cases continues to grow rather than shrink.

Namibian conservationists are also concerned about a shift in crime patterns. While some areas are declining, others are experiencing a significant increase. This applies specifically to illegal trade in protected plants, reptiles, and even insects.

Rhino poaching in Namibia has declined significantly. Symbolic image: Black rhinoceros at Gemsbokvlakte in Etosha National Park.  Photo: Yathin S Krishnappa, Wikipedia