10 Steps You Can Take Today to Help Save the Critically Endangered Black Rhino

10 Steps You Can Take Today to Help Save the Critically Endangered Black Rhino

Adobe Stock / paulfell

Rhinos play an important role in their countries; they bring in large amounts of income from tourism and are vital to the ecosystem. According to the World Wildlife Fund, rhino dung supports fly, beetle and fungus species, keeping the African plains healthy.

Sadly, over the past 40 years, rhino population has dropped over 95%, Save The Rhino reports.

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The black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) is native to eastern and central Africa. It is one of the five species of rhinoceros that still exists today, and it is considered to be critically endangered due to the many threats that it faces.

The demand for rhinoceros horn has led to a significant increase in poaching in recent years.Photo: Adobe Stock / John
The demand for rhinoceros horn has led to a significant increase in poaching in recent years.

One of the biggest threats to the black rhinoceros is poaching, IAPF.org reports. The demand for rhinoceros horns, which are used in traditional medicine and as a status symbol in some cultures, has led to a significant increase in poaching in recent years. This has had a devastating effect on the black rhinoceros population, as the animals are killed for their horns and then left to die.

Habitat loss due to human activities such as agriculture and urbanization is a major threat to the survival of this species.Photo: Adobe Stock / bjphotographs
Habitat loss due to human activities such as agriculture and urbanization is a major threat to the survival of this species.

In addition to poaching, habitat loss is also a major threat to the black rhinoceros. According to Save The Rhino, the expansion of agriculture, urbanization, and other human activities have led to the destruction of the habitats that the black rhinoceros needs to survive. This has resulted in a decline in the population of black rhinoceros, as the animals have fewer and fewer places to live.

To help the black rhinoceros avoid extinction, there are several things that must be done. One of the most important things is to increase efforts to stop poaching. As The Washington Post reports, this can be done through a combination of measures, including strengthening laws and increasing the number of rangers who patrol the areas where black rhinoceros live.

The population of black rhinoceros has declined significantly in recent years due to poaching and habitat loss.Photo: Adobe Stock / jurra8
The population of black rhinoceros has declined significantly in recent years due to poaching and habitat loss.

According to the WWF, Another important step is to work on protecting and restoring the habitats of the black rhinoceros. This can be done through a variety of methods, including setting aside land as protected areas and working with local communities to manage the land in a way that is sustainable for both people and wildlife.

There are also efforts underway to breed black rhinoceros in captivity and then release them back into the wild, Save The Rhino reports. While this is a complex and difficult process, it has the potential to help increase the population of black rhinoceros and give them a better chance of survival.

The illegal trade in rhinoceros horn and other parts of the animal poses a significant threat to the survival of this species.Photo: Adobe Stock / lucas
The illegal trade in rhinoceros horn and other parts of the animal poses a significant threat to the survival of this species.

Overall, the threats faced by the black rhinoceros are significant, but there are things that can be done to help this species avoid extinction. By working together and taking action, we can help to ensure that the black rhinoceros will continue to thrive for generations to come.

Here are 10 things you can do to help save the black rhino:

10. Reduce demand

Help to reduce demand for rhinoceros horn by spreading awareness about the fact that it has no proven medicinal value.

9. Support conservation

Donate to conservation efforts or volunteer your time to help protect the black rhinoceros.

Increased efforts to stop poaching and protect the habitat of the black rhinoceros are essential to its survival.Photo: Adobe Stock / laurenpretorius
Increased efforts to stop poaching and protect the habitat of the black rhinoceros are essential to its survival.

8. Educate your community

Educate others about the importance of conserving the black rhinoceros and the threats that it faces.

7. Advocate for rhino protections

Support policies and legislation that help to protect the black rhinoceros and its habitat.

The destruction of the habitats that the black rhinoceros needs to survive has had a devastating impact on the population of this species.Photo: Adobe Stock / Papa Bravo
The destruction of the habitats that the black rhinoceros needs to survive has had a devastating impact on the population of this species.

6. Cut out products that hurt rhinos

Avoid purchasing products made from rhinoceros horn or other parts of the animal, as this fuels the illegal trade in these products.

5. Support sustainable tourism

Support sustainable tourism efforts that help to protect the black rhinoceros and its habitat.

The illegal trade in rhinoceros horn is fueled by the demand for it in traditional medicine and as a status symbol in some cultures. Photo: Adobe Stock / Fabio Lotti
The illegal trade in rhinoceros horn is fueled by the demand for it in traditional medicine and as a status symbol in some cultures.

4. Support sustainable agriculture

Support sustainable agriculture practices that minimize habitat destruction and help to protect the black rhinoceros.

3. Restore rhino habitat

Support reforestation and other efforts to restore habitat for the black rhinoceros.

The expansion of agriculture and urbanization has led to the destruction of the habitats that the black rhinoceros needs to survive.Photo: Adobe Stock / DG CameraWorks
The expansion of agriculture and urbanization has led to the destruction of the habitats that the black rhinoceros needs to survive.

2. Support captive breeding efforts

Support efforts to breed black rhinoceros in captivity and release them into the wild.

1. Support those making a difference

Support organizations that work to protect the black rhinoceros, such as Greater Good Charities and Project Peril.

Project Peril, a signature program of Greater Good Charities, is committed to working with the best non-profits in Africa devoted to ending poaching entirely, protecting rhino habitat, and raising local awareness to the issue.

You can help us protect rhinos. With your support, we work to halt deforestation, protect critical habitat, and put a stop to poaching.

Protecting and restoring the habitats of the black rhinoceros is essential to its survival.Photo: Adobe Stock / paulfell
Protecting and restoring the habitats of the black rhinoceros is essential to its survival.

We cannot let these magnificent animals go extinct. Sign the Black Rhino Pledge and make a difference!

Matthew Russell

Matthew Russell is a West Michigan native and with a background in journalism, data analysis, cartography and design thinking. He likes to learn new things and solve old problems whenever possible, and enjoys bicycling, spending time with his daughters, and coffee.

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