The importance of rapid population growth
Rapid population growth can mean the difference between survival and extinction for an endangered species. Faster growth provides a bigger buffer against poaching or natural disaster like disease, fire or flood. It also minimises loss of genetic heterozygosity.
Small differences in growth rate of the overall black rhino population make a big difference over time. In order for a 530-strong black rhino population (approximately the number of black rhino in KwaZulu-Natal) to increase to 1000 individuals, it would take about 22 years at 3% growth, 13 years at 5% growth, 9 years at 8% growth and 7 years at 10% growth.
