Population and Poaching Trends
The global rhino population has seen a slight increase, with white rhinos rising from 15,942 in 2022 to 17,464 in 2023. However, black and greater one-horned rhino numbers remain unchanged.
Poaching rates have escalated, with 586 rhinos killed in in 2023, up from 551 in 2022. , housing the most significant rhino population, accounts for the majority of these killings.
Conservation Efforts and Challenges
Conservationists highlight the role of protective measures in increasing rhino numbers, particularly in , where numbers rose from 380 in 1986 to 1,000 last year due to sanctuary protection.
The northern white rhino faces extinction, with only two females left. Efforts include developing embryos from preserved sperm and egg samples. The last male, named Sudan, is preserved for educational purposes.