The Rhinoceros, commonly known as the Rhino is one of the 5 remaining odd-toed  ‘ungulate’ species, (grazing animals featuring an odd number of toes, including horses).  Whilst the Rhino is understood to have been native in Northern America and Europe, they only exist in the wild in Africa and Asia today. There are 5 primary Rhino Species in existence today, with numerous sub-species.  The Black and White Rhino reside in Africa, whilst the Indian, Sumatran and Javan Rhino species call Asia home.  The Javan, Sumatran and Black rhino are all officially classified as ‘critically endangered’, whilst the Indian is classified as ‘endangered’, whilst the White rhino as bounced back and is no longer considered an endangered species, thanks to conservation efforts in recent times.  The Sumatran Rhino is thought to be the species currently at the greatest risk due to its accelerated decline, hence the work undertaken but the IRF of which we here at Rhino are firmly supporting!  There are thought to be only 275 (as of 2009) Sumatran rhinos in the wild today.  The Javan rhino however is understood to be only 50 strong in the wild making it even rarer, but numbers seem to have settled.

The reason for the decline in numbers is man-made.  Sadly it’s the rhinos prize asset, its horn, that is the attraction for poachers and rhinos have been and continue to be slaughtered for this asset.  The horn, made from Keratin (same protein as human finger nails and hair) is considered medicinal in some communities.  The horn is also seen as a decorative prize and is used for dagger handles and other decorative works.  The poaching, although outlawed is still rife and huge efforts are being made to protect the habitats.  It’s the decline of these very habitats that is the rhinos next biggest threat.  Deforestation of the natural habitat to extract natural resources for human consumption and expanding urban areas is also driving down numbers.