About Rhinos

Tough Issues

Rhinos Face Many Threats

Threats include habitat loss, encroachment by people, and fragmented populations that inhibit breeding, however, poaching remains the largest threat to their survival. In addition, decisions made by governments and other policy bodies and short and long term conservation challenges often impact one or more of the species both on a local and/or global scale.

IRF analyzes each situation as they occur, applying a scientific foundation and developing research projects where applicable. IRF reviews policy and provides a position on legislation or other decisions that will impact rhinos. Through Team Rhino, we promote advocacy and mobilize a community of support.

In this section, you can review IRF’s statement and positions on conservation issues. This section is updated as topics arise or change.

Rhinos Face Many Threats

Promotion of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Africa

There is a growing concern in the conservation community that a rise in traditional Chinese medicine  consumption in Africa could have a significant impact on wildlife, including Critically Endangered rhino populations.

Coronavirus and Rhino Horn

Since news broke about the spread of the latest coronavirus, or COVID-19, there has been a great deal of misinformation across the internet.

Advancements In Assisted Reproductive Techniques- Northern White Rhino Embryos

There is no easy answer for ensuring the survival of critically endangered rhinoceros species.

Rhino Proposals at Cites COP18

Spirited and sometimes heated discussions wrapped up last week at the 18th Conference of the Parties (CoP) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES.

Implications of Opening Domestic Rhino Horn Trade in South Africa

In early February, the Government of South Africa put forth a proposal to allow domestic trade in “rhino horn, parts, products or derivatives.”

Dallas Safari Club Hunt

Much media attention has been directed this past week to the Dallas Safari Club’s intention to auction off a permit to hunt a black rhino in Namibia, the proceeds to go towards preserving this magnificent and critically endangered species.

What it Means to be Critically Endangered

Of the five living rhino species, three – the black, Sumatran and Javan rhinos – are classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Advanced Reproductive Techniques

The use of advanced reproductive techniques to save rhinoceros species has most recently come to the fore in connection with the northern white rhino, Ceratotherium simum cottoni, a subspecies that now has only three individuals remaining on the planet.

Synthetic/Bio-Fabricated Rhino Horn

Synthetic/Bio-Fabricated Rhino Horn: Will it Save the Rhino?

China’s Legalization of Domestic Trade in Rhino Horn

China’s decision to legalize the use of rhino horn and tiger bone in traditional medicine is cause for great concern for rhinos and tigers and also for the international collaborations actively working to save these species from extinction.

Cites COP17 and Rhino Horn Trade

Heated discussions in the international conservation community are percolating about the legalization of trade in rhino horn, as well as trade affecting the conservation of other wildlife and plant species.