Rhinos were once abundant throughout Africa and Asia with a worldwide population of around 500,000 in the early 20th century. Despite intensive conservation efforts, poaching of this iconic species is dramatically increasing, pushing the remaining rhinos towards extinction.
The poaching crisis is attributed to the growing demand for rhino horn in Asian countries. Although rhino horn has no scientific medical benefits, consumers are using it to treat a wide range of conditions and, due to its high value, it is now also used as a status symbol by wealthy individuals. The high price fetched for the horn has attracted the involvement of ruthless criminal syndicates who use high-tech equipment to track down and kill the rhinos.
There is evidence to suggest that some rhinos are not killed outright but, having had their horn hacked out or removed with a chainsaw, are left to bleed to death.
87 rhinos were poached in Namibia in 2022 - nearly twice the number poached in 2021. If you want to help the world's remaining rhinos please support Save the Rhino International: www.savetherhino.org
