Table 3.

Ranking of the most robust policy scenarios to reduce rhinoceros poaching and increase population size and profit in South Africa between 2014 and 2023^*

Rank	Scenario	Total profit with legal trade (MM US$)	Rhinoceros population size	Total profit, no trade (MM US$)
1	medium increase in no. of rangers & fine	717	25,690	−147
2	big increase in no. of rangers & fine	709	34,920	−189
3	big increase in no. of rangers	698	34,356	−190
4	medium increase in no. of rangers	629	18,886	−149
5	small increase in no. of rangers & fine	583	3,332	−132
6	small increase in no. of rangers	456	0	−136
7	no trade (business as usual)	353	0	−128
8	increase fine only	334	0	−123

^*Only the 4 top scenarios maintain the rhinoceros population above its size in 2010, and a positive total profit is only possible for scenarios with legal trade. The values shown are robust. For more information see Supporting Information.