The 2024 ‘State of the Rhino’ Is Here!

The International Rhino Foundation (IRF) published its annual State of the Rhino report to illuminate the threats to and raise awareness for the five rhino species this World Rhino Day, September 22nd.

“Looking over the many years IRF has released our annual state of the rhino report, you can see that various rhino populations have good years and bad years,” said Nina Fascione executive director of the International Rhino Foundation. “Kruger National Park in South Africa has made progress in the fight against poaching but sadly, we also learned this year that poachers have seriously harmed the Javan rhino population in Indonesia. At the end of the day, nature is resilient – since 2011, there has been at least one Javan rhino calf born every year in Ujung Kulon National Park –  with adequate habitat and protection, we can ensure rhinos will survive for many generations to come.”

Key takeaways from the 2024 State of the Rhino:

• Rhino poaching in Africa increased by 4% from 2022 to 2023. At least 586 African rhinos were poached in 2023, one every 15 hours.
• While thriving in several regions, the total black rhino population declined slightly over the last year due to heavy poaching in Namibia and South Africa.
• White rhino populations in South Africa are on the rise despite poaching. 
• Greater one-horned rhinos have been making use of improved habitats and wildlife corridors. 
• Two calves were born at the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary in Way Kambas National Park in September and November 2023.
• Since July 2023, Indonesian authorities have been investigating and prosecuting Javan rhino poaching groups, who confessed to killing 26 rhinos in Ujung Kulon National Park from 2019 to 2023.

With all five species combined, there are just under 28,000 rhinos left in the world.

Spreading awareness about rhinos is a great way to celebrate World Rhino Day! World Rhino Day is this Sunday, September 22, learn more ways to help, here.