Rhino Numbers Rise

Rhino numbers in Africa rose to 27,000, a modest increase compared to their former estimated population of half a million.  Conservationists are encouraged that their efforts are being rewarded by the ancient herbavores.  Southern white rhino populations have increased for the first time since 2012 rising from 15,942 at the end of 2021 to 16,803.  Black rhinos have increased 5% However Javan and Sumatran remain close to extinction in the wild.

All African populations have been decimated by poaching for their horn and loss of habitat.  551 rhinos were killed in Africa in 2022 a slight rise since 2020, but smaller than the catastrophic peak of 1,349 in 2015. In Nepal the greater one horned or Indian rhino population is stable at 4,000.  While encouraged, conservationist say vigilance and cooperative action is  still necessary in the face of huge pressures on the animals.  

only Javan footprints are often seen

The plight of the Sumatran and Javan rhinos is extreme.  Scientist estimate only 34 Sumatran rhinos live in the wild in small fragments of forest that make it difficult for them to breed successfuly.  In March of last year a female was born in captivity after several miscarriages.  The Javan rhino population is about 76 all of them located in Ujung Kulon National Park.  Historically, Javanese love water and often strolled along the beaches to take in salt.  Illegal fishing activities by humans disturb the shy animals, and they are endanger of drowning in a severe storm causing flooding.  In December 2018 the nearby volcano Anak Karkatua erupted causing a tsunami with waves 5 meters high.  Fortunately no rhinos were known to be loss because of the eruption.  They might not escape harm next time.  Rhino protection units including a marine patrol along the coast have been established to protect them