Rhinos are hunted for the value of their horn
There are today two main species of rhino remaining in Africa: The White Rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum and the Black Rhinoceros Diceros bicornis.
Of the white rhino there are about 20.000 individuals left in Africa, and this species is classified as “Near Threatened” by the IUCN. However the Northern White Rhinoceros, which is a subspecies from the White Rhino, is considered “Probably Extinct” with only 2 individuals remaining (2 females) living at a conservancy in Kenya. 19th of March, 2018 Sudan, the world’s last male northern white rhino, died. This means that the northern white rhino species is extinct.
Of the Black Rhino there are only 5000 individuals left, and this species is classified as “Critically Endangered”.
3
NORTHERN WHITE RHINOS LEFT
5.000
BLACK RHINOS LEFT
$130.000
IS THE PRICE FOR 1 KG RHINO HORN
Historically there were hundreds of thousands rhinos in Africa, and today there are only about 25.000 left from which the majority (98%) occur in four countries; Kenya, Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Rhino horns are considered a luxury item
The recent decline in population is caused by the heavily upsurge in poaching to meet the increased demand for rhino horn in Asia, particularly in Vietnam where it is considered to carry prestige as a luxury item. The horn, which in fact consists of compressed keratin – same material as in your hair and nails – is believed to have medical impact and cure various diseases such as illness, hangover, fever and even cancer.