22/09/2024
www.dreams-adventures.com
Contact us for information about Tanzania Safari
Range states in Africa reported an estimated 23,885 rhinos (combining the black and the white rhino species) at the end of 2023, an increase of 2.4% from the year before. In contrast, there are fewer than 4,100 rhinos in Asia, nearly all the greater one-horned rhino species in India and Nepal. Javan and Sumatran rhino are teetering on the brink of extinction.
In Africa, poachers killed a total of 586 rhinos (mostly the more numerous white rhino species) in 2023, more than the 551 detected killings in 2022. Most poaching incidents occurred in South Africa which has the largest rhino population on the continent. There were poaching incidents also recorded, but in much lower numbers, in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The population of around 6,421 critically endangered black rhinos fell by 1.0% as a result of poaching last year. This primarily relates to losses in Namibia and South Africa.
The continental poaching rate amounted to 2.51% of the total African rhino population. If poaching rates remain below a threshold of 3.5%, rhino numbers can continue to increase. As a result, the African white rhino species increased by 3.7% from 2022 to 17,464 at the end of 2023.
"I derive great hope knowing that rhino numbers in Africa are increasing," said Dr Dave Balfour, Chair of IUCN's African Rhino Specialist Group. "It tells me that despite the relentless threat of poaching, African range State governments and citizens are rallying and committing themselves and resources to conserve these iconic species. As long as rhinos are valued by people, we stand a chance of preventing their demise."
In Asia, the greater one-horned rhino species population remained stable with a population of around 4,018 by the end of 2023. However, the tiny Javan rhino population of 76 animals fell by a staggering 33.0% following the poaching of at least 26 animals identified through an in-depth investigation by the Indonesian Police. Authorities apprehended, convicted, and sentenced the man accused to 12 years imprisonment and a fine. The killings have shattered the male/female ratio as poachers targeted males that typically have a noticeable horn, reducing the number of breeding males.
The recent seizure of several Asian rhino horns in Sumatra is highly concerning as the Sumatran rhino population is also precariously low with only 34 to 47 animals still believed to be in existence. Safeguarding the last rhino-bearing areas requires vigilance with enhanced manpower. The Indonesian government supports assisted reproductive technology already benefiting Sumatran rhinos, but not Javan rhinos. As these number in their tens, every individual counts when it comes to breeding to avoid extinction.
"To reverse the declining trend of critically endangered Javan and Sumatran rhinos in Indonesia, the constitution of a National Rhino Task Force under the leadership of the head of the government could steer recovery efforts at this time of great need," said Dr Bibhab Talukdar, Chair of IUCN's Asian Rhino Specialist Group.
On World Rhino Day 2024, the African and Asian Rhino Specialist Groups of IUCN's Species Survival Commission appreciate the great efforts being made for the worldโs five rhino species. There are encouraging signs of continued population growth in some rhino species despite poaching, but other species face an existential threat and one that requires a combined effort to prevent.
