The Mpumalanga government is stepping up its fight against rhino poaching with stronger measures and extra support, after the province saw a sharp rise in the number of rhinos killed last year. This new push comes as conservationists and local communities grow more worried about the future of these iconic animals. The increase in poaching has hit hard, especially in areas close to Kruger National Park, and officials say they are now working harder than ever to protect the province’s rhinos and the tourism jobs that depend on them. Sharp Rise in Poaching Numbers Last year Mpumalanga lost 178 rhinos to poachers - almost double the 92 killed in 2024. The biggest spike happened inside Kruger National Park, where poaching cases jumped by nearly 100 percent. Rangers and anti-poaching teams have been stretched thin trying to cover the vast bushveld and stop the illegal hunters who often work at night with sophisticated equipment. These numbers are more than just statistics. Every rhino lost means less tourism money for local communities, fewer jobs for guides and lodge staff, and a weaker chance of keeping the species safe for future generations. Many families in Mpumalanga rely on the wildlife economy, and the rise in killings has left them feeling anxious about what the future holds.