Coordinating Rhino Conservation Action in Africa

Geographical location:

Africa/Madagascar > Africa General

Africa/Madagascar > East Africa > Kenya
Africa/Madagascar > Southern Africa > Namibia
Africa/Madagascar > Southern Africa > Republic of South Africa

Summary

Rhino populations have suffered a catastrophic decline, especially over the last 20 years. This is despite major efforts by WWF and other national and international organizations to stem or reverse the trend. It is now apparent that traditional methods of attempting to protect rhino populations spread over wide state reserves have not been effective.

The aim of this project is to develop a proactive, flexible and realistic field action plan for the conservation and management of African rhinos. The plan draws on 'lessons learned' from past interventions, and focuses on WWF's current activity in the realm of rhino conservation in Africa and its future vision.

The project also aims to provide concise information on field projects to WWF National Organizations (NOs) and other donors, bridging the gap in information flow and communication.

Background

Of the 5 rhino species remaining in the world, 2 species, the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) and the white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simumare) found in Africa.

At the turn of the century approximately 400,000 black rhinos ranged over most of sub-sahara Africa. Trophy hunting with increasingly powerful guns, land development and fragmentation of habitat resulted in the elimination of the black rhino from most of its historical range.

By 1960 the continental population was estimated to be about 100,000. This population suffered a further decline to about 65,000 by 1970 before the catastrophic wave of poaching hit most of the stronghold reserves in east and southern Africa. As a result of this poaching wave the population plunged to a mere 4,000 by 1987, a decline of over 95% within 20 years.

The single most important cause for this decline in black rhinos is the increased demand for their horn from affluent markets in the middle east and the far east. Currently about 2,400 black rhinos remain in intensively protected sanctuaries. The black rhino is listed as critically endangered by IUCN and is listed on CITES appendix I.

Southern white rhinos, on the other hand, have continued to record impressive gains since they were brought back from the brink of extinction at the beginning of this century. There are now some 7,800 southern white rhinos in southern Africa and the populations are considered healthy.

However, the fate of the northern white rhino is far from certain. The last remaining population of northern white rhinos in Garamba National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) numbers less than 30 animals and is considered critically endangered.

Objectives

1. Develop a proactive, flexible and realistic rhino conservation and management action plan.
2. Provide information on field projects to WWF NOs and other donors.