The Black rhino is considered at critical risk for becoming extinct. In fact of the four subspecies of Black rhinoceros one, the Southwestern, is already considered extinct in the wild with the remaining population of eight found only in captivity.
Efforts are currently being taken by a number of international organisations to protect the rhino’s habitat and ensure its survival.
The International Rhino Foundation
The International Rhino Foundation (IRF) is concerned with two main initiatives to help the Black rhino survive; namely protection of its native habitat and research and management of existing populations in the wild. Because the rhinoceros enjoys a particularly long life and is slow to mature, it is difficult to realise immediate results in increasing population numbers and encouraging further breeding.
The IRF is focused on improving the animal’s chances for long-term survival. This is a tremendous undertaking that will require years of protection and management. Their teams are based in Africa to study rhinos in the wild as well as oversee an onsite breeding facility. Their efforts on concentrated on identifying and helping those animals in direst need.
The Wild Animal Park
Another organisation that has made great strides in Black rhino conservation is the Wild Animal Park, an adjunct of the San Diego Zoo in the United States. It is home to the largest population of rhinos in captivity throughout the world and has enjoyed much success with its breeding programme.
In addition to producing Black rhino babies, the Park has witnessed the birth of more than 50 Southern White rhinos and five generations of Indian rhinos. The San Diego Zoo was one of the first organisations to successfully birth a Black rhino in captivity.
Whilst breeding has been successful, very few of the females born at the Park have been able to reproduce. Further research is needed to determine how to increase the population of fertile female rhinos. The Wild Animal Park is currently sending representatives to South Africa in the hopes of learning more from the rhino population there and the staff at wild animal preserves.
It is encouraging to note that the Eastern Black rhinoceros has a stable population in Kenya due to protected sanctuaries. The South Central subspecies has been reintroduced into areas of Swaziland and Malawi to increase its habitat. The South Western Black rhino has doubled its numbers in the past several decades.
Even with these advances in conservation, the Black rhino is still listed as Critically Endangered and there is a long way to go towards ensuring its survival in the wild.
Take a look at the different types of rhinos and the habitat and lifestyle of black rhinos.