Endangered Species: Black Rhino

Sydney Williams

08/13/2025

Black Rhinos, also known as the Diceros bicornis, are majestic creatures that get their name from the “dark-colored local soil that covers [their] skin after wallowing in mud” (International Rhino Foundation, 2024). There are four subspecies of Black Rhinos: Eastern, South-Central, South-Western, and Western. Unfortunately, the Western Black Rhino was declared extinct in 2006, while the other subspecies remain critically endangered (Ferreira et al., 2024). 

The population of Black Rhinos decreased from roughly 100,000 in the 1900’s to less than 2,400 by the mid-1990's (Ferreira et al., 2024).  Poachers and loss of environment are the two main causes of their population loss. Poachers target rhino horns for medicinal purposes as well as wealth status in some cultures (International Fund for Animal Welfare, 2024). It has been found that even when horns are removed without killing Black Rhinos, it causes the demeanor of the male Black Rhinos to change. Male Black Rhinos are known to be territorial and aggressive; however, when their horns are removed, it causes them to act timid, becoming less protective and less exploratory of suitable habitats, which weakens the herd overall (Nuwer, 2023).  

Black Rhinos can survive in a wide range of environments, as long as there are sufficient resources, including water and mineral licks, within a 10-mile radius (Save the Rhino International, 2024). Due to their poor eyesight, resources have to be kept close without interaction with predators, especially humans. They also require a diverse array of shrubs, woody herbs, and plant life for nutrition. When resources are plentiful, there is also an increase in the reproductivity rate. In contrast, when there is a lack of water or nutrients, the reproduction rate of Black Rhinos plummets.  By understanding the specificities of a flourishing rhino habitat, the interest poachers have in rhinos, and the effects of dehorning rhinos, we are able to create an effective, multi-faceted conservation plan. Researchers have already proven that knowledge is power, recovering the Black Rhino population from 2,400 in the mid-1990's to 6,500 in 2022. 

Unfortunately, as the human population grows, “clearance of land for human settlement, agricultural production, and logging [is] constantly increasing” (Save the Rhino International, 2019). This expansion is directly cutting into the Black Rhino habitats. However, complex efforts have resulted in increased Black Rhino populations. These efforts include “translocations that re-introduced rhinos into their previous ranges,” “managing populations to maintain annual growths exceeding 5%,” and “creating safe habitats” (Ferreira et al., 2024). These efforts continue to be executed on both fenced private lands and unprotected communal lands (Muntifering et al., 2023). By studying the Black Rhino over decades, information has been gathered on what is required for the optimal environment. For example, it was found peak conception season was during the wet season when water supply was abundant (Muntifering et al., 2023). It was also found there was a “weakened community stability” when vegetation/ecosystem productivity was low (Duthé et al., 2020).  To fully evaluate these populations, ear-notching with unique ear markings has been utilized to decipher specific rhinos and rhino herds (Ferriera & Greaver, 2016). This method helps to identify the growing population, those lacking ear notches, and population loss, death of Black Rhinos with ear notches. It is also useful in tracking their movements as a herd.

Efforts have also been made to increase the Black Rhino population through captivity. This method allows Black Rhinos to flourish and reproduce in a controlled, safe environment without outside factors. Unfortunately, this method comes with its own challenges. Studies have found “several unusual disease syndromes not typically observed among their wild counterparts” (Corder et al., 2023). These health differences could be caused by management conditions, differences in diet, and/or social stressors. Analyzing captive Black Rhinos has proven just as significant to their conservation as analyzing wild Black Rhinos.

Poaching is another major cause of Black Rhino population loss. Poachers kill rhinos for their horns, which are then used as a status symbol and traditional Chinese medicine (Rhino Horn, 2022). To deter poachers, humane horn shaving is conducted. With the help of sedation and veterinary professionals, Black Rhino horns are cut down, stopping before reaching the area with nerve endings (Nuwer, 2023). This has been an effective method in keeping rhino herds alive; however, the effects on their quality of life are still under investigation. Even with poaching being illegal, it is still occurring. There was actually a 93% increase in rhino poaching in 2022 after a seven-year decline, despite all efforts made (Save the Iconic Black Rhino, n.d.).

As an individual, there are ways to help aid in the Black Rhino conservation efforts from home. Donations for the protection and restoration of their habitats is always welcome. The World Wildlife Fund (n.d.) is a great place to donate. Another way to help in the efforts is simply by not encouraging poaching. Refrain from purchasing items made from rhino horns. 

The main principles of conservation biology include preservation, protection of species, and maintaining biodiversity, all of which are embodied in the efforts to protect Black Rhinos. These efforts are vital for maintaining ecosystems throughout Africa and Southern Asia. As the United Nations gracefully put it, “extinction breeds extinction” (Accelerating Extinction Rate Triggers Domino Effect of Biodiversity Loss, 2024). The challenges come with funding and maintaining staffing for habitat restoration and prosecuting poachers. I believe that ongoing efforts will prevail and the rhino population will continue to grow. Balancing human needs and protecting Black Rhino habitats is a difficult but necessary component. Utilizing land that is already cleared will help prevent expanding farther into their habitats. For example, having homesteads and food forests versus cleared croplands could be very beneficial. Promotion of sustainable agriculture and tourism will also help in creating a balance between both species' needs.

Citations

Accelerating extinction rate triggers domino effect of biodiversity loss. (2024, May 22). UN News. https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/05/1150056 

Corder, M. L., Petricoin, E. F., Li, Y., Cleland, T. P., DeCandia, A. L., Alonso Aguirre, A., & Pukazhenthi, B. S. (2023). Metabolomic profiling implicates mitochondrial and immune dysfunction in disease syndromes of the critically endangered Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis). Scientific Reports, 13(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-41508-4

Duthé, V., Defossez, E., Westhuizen, R., Glauser, G., & Rasmann, S. (2020). Out of scale out of place: Black Rhino forage preference across the hierarchical organization of the savanna ecosystem. Conservation Science & Practice, 2(5), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.191 

Ferreira, S. M., Goodman, P., Balfour, D., Vigne, L., Knight, M., & Mosweu, K. (2024). Conservation impacts and the future of the Black Rhinoceros ( Diceros bicornis). African Journal of Wildlife Research, 54, 81–91. https://doi.org/10.3957/056.054.0081 

Ferreira, S. M., & Greaver, C. (2016). Re-introduction success of Black Rhinoceros in Marakele National Park. African Journal of Wildlife Research, 46(2), 135–138. https://doi.org/10.3957/056.046.0135 

International Fund for Animal Welfare. (2024, December 31). Rhino poaching: Why it’s a big problem. IFAW. https://www.ifaw.org/journal/rhino-poaching

International Rhino Foundation. (2024, September 17). Black Rhino | International Rhino Foundation. https://rhinos.org/about-rhinos/rhino-species/black-rhino/

Jeff R. Muntifering, Abigail Guerier, Piet Beytell, & Ken Stratford. (2023). Population parameters, performance and insights into factors influencing the reproduction of the Black Rhinoceros Diceros bicornis in Namibia. Oryx, 57, 659–669. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0030605322001065 

Rachel Nuwer. (2023). After Their Horns Are Shaved Off, Black Rhinos Are Racked by Timidity. https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=7b5c9de4-d030-335d-a581-d16c858ad4e7 

Rhino Horn. (2022). World Wildlife Fund. https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/rhino-horn 

Save the iconic Black Rhino. (n.d.). World Wildlife Fund. https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/save-the-iconic-black-rhino#:~:text=Support%20WWF's%20emergency%20response%20to,anonymous%20donor%2C%20up%20to%20%24250%2C000.

Save the Rhino International. (2024, October 15). Black Rhino | Species | Save the Rhino International. Save the Rhino. https://www.savetherhino.org/rhino-info/rhino-species/black-rhinos/