International Rhino Foundation Africa Programs

Africa is home to two rhino species – black rhinos  (Diceros bicornis) and white rhinos  (Ceratotherium simum). During the nineteenth century, southern white rhinos were decimated by poaching and habitat destruction in South Africa. By the turn of the twentieth century, there were fewer than 200 animals left. But, thanks to the dedicated efforts of conservationists, researchers and concerned individuals (especially in South Africa), southern white rhinos were protected and have recovered to about 18,000 individuals. They are now the most abundant rhino species in the world – their population is more than all the other individuals of all the other species of rhinos put together! – and they range throughout South Africa. Because this species has recovered so well and is now the least threatened of all rhino species, the International Rhino Foundation currently concentrates most of its efforts in Africa on protection of black rhinos, which still face a significant threat of extinction.

Populations of black rhinos, native to Eastern and Southern Africa, are up from about 2,500 animals seven years ago to about 4,200 animals throughout their range.  IRF focuses its black rhino work in Zimbabwe, where, intensive efforts have led to the recovery of black rhinos to more than 400 animals, now the fourth largest population in Africa. This population is still in the most need of support, and continues to face serious poaching threats. Zimbabwe’s National Parks and private conservancies are under great assault at a time when they are severely understaffed and under-equipped. Since early 2000, at least one-third of the total area where rhino conservancies exist in southern Zimbabwe have experienced large-scale invasions as a result of land reformation - resulting in the displacement of black rhinos from their home ranges as well as their incidental and purposeful injuries and deaths. IRF works primarily in the lowveld conservancies of Zimbabwe, where we collaborate with local communities to ensure the safety of the animals through monitoring and anti-poaching patrols. Our rhino operations teams regularly remove snares and bullets, provide veterinary treatment, and rescue at-risk rhinos, moving them to safer areas.  Rhino poaching in Africa, and particularly in Zimbabwe, reached a 15-ye
ar high in 2009.  Rhino horn is used in Traditional Asian Medicine to reduce fever.  Rhino poaching is a high-stakes endeavor by organized crime networks, that sometimes include local politicians and foreign diplomats.