Black Rhino
Critically Endangered
Characteristic. About Black Rhino.
Rhinos are one of the oldest groups of mammals, virtually living fossils. They play an important role in their habitats and in countries like Namibia, rhinos are an important source of income from ecotourism.
Scientific Name Diceros bicornis
Height 5.2 feet
Weight 1,760 -3,080 pounds
Habitats Tropical and Subtropical Grasslands, Savannas, Deserts and Xeric Shrublands.
Habitats
Habitat changes have contributed to population declines, but this is a secondary threat compared to poaching. They live in such african territories as Kenya, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
Illegal wildlife trade
Today, black rhinos remain Critically Endangered because of rising demand for rhino horn, which has driven poaching to record levels. A recent increase in poaching in South Africa.The increase is driven by a growing demand from some Asian consumers, particularly in Vietnam, for folk remedies containing rhino horn. AIn 2014, a total of 1,215 rhinos were poached in South Africa – a 21 percent increase from the previous year.
Measures taken
WWF launched an international effort to save wildlife in 1961, rescuing black rhinos—among many other species—from the brink of extinction. Conservation efforts have helped the total number of black rhinos grow from 2,410 in 1995 to 4,880 in 2010. We work to stop poaching, increase rhino populations, improve law enforcement and tackle illegal rhino trade.To monitor and protect black rhinos WWF focuses on better-integrated intelligence gathering networks on rhino poaching and trade, more antipoaching patrols and better equipped conservation law enforcement officers.
Making a Difference for Rhino Conservation