‘State of the Rhino’ Report Released in Celebration of World Rhino Day, Highlighting Rhino Conservation in First Quarter of 21st Century

‘State of the Rhino’ Report Released in Celebration of World Rhino Day, Highlighting Rhino Conservation in First Quarter of 21st Century

WASHINGTON, September 10, 2026— The International Rhino Foundation (IRF) released its 2026 “State of the Rhino” report today, providing a comprehensive status update on the world’s five rhino species ahead of World Rhino Day on September 22. This year’s report spotlights critical conservation victories, including historic zero known poaching years in Asia and legal victories in Africa, while cautioning that long-term success still relies on proactive habitat maintenance and continuing heavy security efforts as rhinos expand into range areas they historically roamed.

According to the most recent International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimates, fewer than 27,000 rhinos remain in the wild, and three of the five species are critically endangered. The “State of the Rhino” report outlines trends from the past year, in addition to assessing the successes and challenges in rhino conservation throughout the first quarter of the 21st century. Now, global rhino conservation stands at a crossroads. 

“Over the past 25 years, white, black and greater one-horned rhino populations have made remarkable gains through diligent protection and key conservation measures,” said Nina Fascione, executive director of IRF. “Sadly, the two species remaining solely in Indonesia – Javan and Sumatran – are in serious jeopardy. We are proving that recovery is possible and must continue to apply these hard-won lessons to support the long-term survival of all five species.”

Between 2001 and 2025, greater one-horned rhino populations increased significantly, black rhinos more than doubled, and white rhinos increased overall (although heavy poaching has led to decreases in recent years). Javan rhino numbers fluctuated, remaining in a precarious position with fewer than 100 individuals. The species experienced a devastating decrease in Indonesia between 2019 and 2023 when 18 to 26 rhinos were poached, potentially a 33% reduction in the total population. Sumatran rhinos have also experienced a severe decline. Their population was estimated at nearly 300 animals at the turn of the new millennium but is now hovering between 34 and 47, according to the IUCN, all in Indonesia.

Other highlights from the report include:

• White rhinos decreased from the last count in 2023 of 17,464 to 15,752 in 2024, mostly due to losses in South Africa from poaching. However, legal accountability for poaching crimes has been on the rise in South Africa and several other African countries.
• The number of black rhinos increased from 6,195 in 2022 to 6,788 at the end of 2024.
• Greater one-horned rhinos also increased, estimated at 4,075 (up from 4,014 in 2022).
• Most range states did not publicly release updated poaching counts in 2025; for those that did, poaching declined overall.
• Population Viability Analysis forecasts Javan rhinos could go extinct within the next five decades. However, Ujung Kulon National Park confirmed the discovery of five new Javan rhino calves over the past several years, offering hope. Security measures in place at the park, such as camera traps, and monitoring methods like footprint tracking helped identify the new individuals, but protection of the population remains critical.
• An analysis was performed in Leuser National Park in northern Sumatra to detect the home range of wild rhinos in the area. One rhino’s range covered over 12,000 acres. This discovery is valuable for understanding the spatial needs of Sumatran rhinos and confirming the need to protect the ecosystems they inhabit.

“Thanks to the work of dedicated individuals around the globe – government agencies, rangers, reserve managers, conservationists, donors and others – three species of rhino are making slow but steady gains,” Fascione notes. “Our work isn’t finished; we must ensure habitats for all five species are both ecologically sustainable and safe from poaching in order to reach our vision of a world where rhinos thrive in the wild.”

Access the full 2026 State of the Rhino report here.

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The International Rhino Foundation (IRF) manages, facilitates and funds conservation initiatives for highly threatened rhino populations in Africa and Asia. Established in 1993, IRF focuses on scientific research, fighting poaching, habitat and population management, conservation breeding, community development and capacity building, demand reduction and legal training and support to fight illegal wildlife trade. In the past decade, IRF has invested more than $25 million in rhino conservation and research. Learn more at rhinos.org.