Rhino conservation is a huge area of study in South Africa because it is so important to save the rhino species and protect the ecosystem.
On every National Park I have been to, there is at least one person dedicated to monitoring these beautiful animals, and sometimes a whole team of people who study their behaviours and feeding habits. Charities such as the Wildlife Act contribute to this data, as well as helping conserve other endangered species (you can read about my time with them here and you can also see how you can help keep them running during this difficult time here).
A Bit About Rhinos!
There are 5 species of rhinos that are currently alive; the black and white rhinos in Africa, the Greater one-horned rhino in India and the Sumatran and Javan rhino in Java and Sumatra.
They are herbivorous animals, but they are very dangerous to humans and predators. Baby rhinos tend to fall prey to lions and crocodiles.
Rhino Population
As you can see from the map above, white rhinos have the biggest population while Javan rhinos are incredibly close to extinction.
Over the past decade, rhino population has increased due to conservation efforts, but they are still detrimentally low. Below is a graph that shows how black rhinos have been hunted to near extinction since 2006.
Why are Rhino’s Poached?
First off, what is poaching? Poaching is the killing of animals for their skin or horns or just to keep them as a prize. Typically it is done by shooting the animals or trapping them in snares.
All species of rhinos are killed for their horns. The are typically important in Chinese medicine, and they also act as a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Based on the Asian black market value, rhino horn is worth US$65,000 per kg and prices are steadily rising.
How Can We Help Save the Rhino?!
Rhino conservation efforts are incredibly important. Not only do we not want to lose another species, but this species is also necessary for the African and Indian ecosystem. Due to the large amounts they eat, rhinos help to shape the land and control the vegetation growth.
Therefore, we need your help to save the rhino species!
You can help by donating to charities like the Wildlife Act, or even volunteering with them! You can read about my time with them here if you would be interested in it. Setting up fundraisers is a great skill to have, and you can do it for a brilliant cause!
Another way of helping is by spreading the word! Press the share button on this post, like it or comment on it, anyway to get the word out there.
Are you a conservationist or a vet? Maybe spend some time with these beautiful animals to help preserve them. There is always need of those with the knowledge and skills.
Stop buying products with ivory in, too! Many items have ivory in and you wouldn’t even realise, so be sure to check what you are buying and avoid the ivory products.
If you see the sale of ivory which looks suspicious, then please report it. The sale or transport of elephant tusks or rhino horns is illegal in many countries.
Maybe together, we can save this beautiful species.
Thank you for this important post. It breaks my hear to know that these animals are at risk of extinction.
This is beautifully written ❤️
Also do check out my wildlife blog!!!
Thank you so much. I’ll check it out
I’ve never seen a rhino in person 🙁
I’m not sure why any animals are poached.It breaks my hear to know that these animals are at risk of extinction.
Maybe you can plan a safari once all of this is over so you can see one. It’s looking unlikely that they’ll be around for much longer unfortunately.
I’m from South Africa so I know how important Rhino conservation is especially due to poachers and their numbers declining. Thanks for sharing this with others.
this is a great post, wow look at that white rhino!!! They are absolutely beautiful !!!
wow i didn’t know this much about rhinos. thanks for bringing awareness!!!
Thank you for this important post. It makes me so sad to see these animals killed for their horns. I hope the poaching will stop with education.
I just wish the poachers would understand the importance of animals in our ecosystem . Animals have equal rights as humans. Rhino is such a beautiful animal. I saw one in Masai Mara at a distance of 15 feet . I was scared though due to its size and the huge horn!
They can be terrifying, but white rhinos are very docile. It’s the black rhinos you need to watch out for!
i am really saddened by the fact that humans are the real monsters here on earth. i am really sorry for all the animals not only rhinos who are suffering because of us. 🙁 thanks for this post. there are so much sufferings in the world… really depressing!
its saddening that they are being hunted for their horns and skin. i hope that many support the prevention of such activities
Great post! This makes me so sad to read, thank you for sharing this info as I didn’t know a lot of the facts 😫
My goodness, Javan’s are very close to extinction. That’s terrible. I can’t believe that there are animals currently on our planet that may one day have been lost to extinction. It’s crazy.
It was an amazing blog enough…… Rhinos are also part of our environment and it is much disheartening to know that they are at risk…. Thanks for sharing it… it is much informative….
Oh I love this, rhinos are such stunning creatures. Honestly I think we need to treat ALL creatures with love and respect.
Rhrinos are such fascinating and gorgeous creatures. You photographs are truly perfect.
Rhinos are so fascinating. It is sad that we need to work so hard to save them. And I had no idea how far east they were! Thank you for the information. I am surprised I never really learned much about them.
These are really amazing animals. I had no idea there were even 5 different types! It is good there are things we can do to help protect the rhinos and make sure they are still around for future generations to see and enjoy.
I admire how you are educating everyone about rhinos and their importance in the ecosystem. I hope this article will open lots of eyes with regard to their need for help right now.
Rhinos are amazing animals. My local zoo has a couple of them.
There are so many animal species that have been extinct. I hope rhinos can go through generations and generations to come. It is so sad that these wonderful creatures can be in danger of extinction.
Rhinos are absolutely stunning creatures that roam our earth. Thanks for bringing awareness to the efforts to stop poaching and save the rhinos.
Preserving the animals of our wonderful planet is fundamental, the rhinos are very few people who know that they are at risk of extinction ç_ç