Since 1960, the worldwide population of black rhinos (Diceros bicornis) has declined by an estimated 98% (Adcock & Emslie, 2016). Extensive hunting of the species as well as loss of habitat by clearance of land for settlement, led to a rapid decline and near extinction. Black rhinos are presently listed as Critically Endangered at a global level (IUCN, 2020).
Threats to the species
Poaching for rhino horn is the species’ biggest threat and is driven by greed. While in 1993, a kilo of rhino horn was priced on the Asian black market at $4700, in 2012 it was $65’000, making it worth more than gold, diamonds and even cocaine (Biggs et al., 2013). It is sought as a traditional remedy or as ornamentals related to status in the Far East (Biggs et al., 2013). Increasing demand for rhino horn in Asia has led to record high poaching incidents all over Africa.
South Africa holds over 80% of the global rhino population and has lost over 7000 individuals over the past 10 years (Adcock & Emslie, 2016). Of that, 9.5% of poached individuals were black rhinos, white rhinos (Ceratotherium simum) bearing the biggest brunt of the loss (Adcock & Emslie, 2016).
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« If poaching continues at this rate, it is estimated that rhinos will be extinct in the wild within the next 20 years. »
(Ripple et al., 2015).
Habitat change is also a threat to the species (Adcock & Emslie, 2016). At present, wild black rhino populations are limited to protected areas which are often enclosed and limit migration (Landman et al., 2013). Therefore, ecosystem degradation and interspecific competition in protected areas can impact and stall their productivity rate.