The latest global count of rhinos shows a mixed outcome for the world’s five rhino species in Africa and Asia. The number of Black rhinos, found only in the wild in eastern and southern Africa, has increased from 6,195 to 6,788, a win for this critically endangered species according to the International Rhino Foundation.
The global population estimates do not include rhinos in zoos but those in the wild or national parks. The number of greater one-horned rhinos, native to northern India and southern Nepal, has also increased slightly from 4,014 to 4,075, a conservation success story since only around 200 were left in India at the beginning of the 20th century. Now, this species is considered to be in recovery.
However, there is bad news for other rhino species. Indonesia’s rhino species, found only in Indonesia, remain on the edge of extinction. The population of Sumatran rhinos has remained virtually unchanged since 2022, with only 34-47 animals remaining. Poaching and habitat loss from palm oil plantations seriously threaten their survival. The number of Javan rhinos has dropped significantly from an estimated 76 to around 50 due to poaching.
In Africa, the number of white rhinos fell from 15,942 to 15,752, a decline primarily due to increased poaching pressure, extended droughts, and management limitations. Despite this, the world has seen a decline in the illicit trade of rhino horn in recent years.
There are new concerns in South Africa, which has the most rhinos. At least 91 rhinos were killed in the first quarter of 2025 alone, with most rhino horns trafficked to Malaysia and Vietnam. Poachers are finding new ways to hunt and one group of scientists has even proposed injecting radioactive material into the horns of rhinos to detect them when being smuggled.
Source: DW
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/latest-rhino-count-a-mixed-bag-for-world-s-five-species/a-73565696?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
