South Africa has reported some cautiously good news for rhinos after years in which poachers killed them in record numbers.

The government said on Friday that most provinces have experienced “dramatic declines” in the killing of rhinos.

It said poachers killed 508 rhinos in the first eight months of 2018, a 26% decrease from the same period in 2017.

Prince Harry Visit To South Africa – Day 3
A female rhino who had her horn hacked off by poachers (Prince Harry/PA)

South Africa is home to most of the world’s rhinos.

The environmental affairs department says the decrease happened despite an increase in poacher activity in the flagship Kruger National Park.

Authorities say law enforcement operations, re-locations of rhinos and other measures have helped to reduce the killing.

Despite the success, the government says the white rhino population in Kruger park has been in decline and that elephant poaching is increasing there.