Conservationists have quiet cause for celebration over rise in numbers of the African black rhino. The numbers of animals in wild have risen by several hundred. The rhinos had been poached to level of near extinction, but efforts to protect them have paid dividends. Black rhinos are still endangered and are at risk of extinction, but conservationists are hopeful their numbers will continue to grow. International Union for Conservation of Nature reported that there were 4,845 black rhinos in Africa in 2012. This number rose to around 5,630 in 2018, increase of 2.5 per cent per year over six years. The Union said numbers bode well for saving species.
lot of effort has been put into saving black rhino. These include relocating beasts into areas less frequented by poachers, ensuring better male-to-female ratio to aid reproductive success, and stronger legislation to protect species. The Union said: " continued slow recovery is testament to the immense efforts made in countries and powerful reminder that conservation works." It added: "There is no room for complacency as poaching and illegal trade remain acute threats. It is essential that ongoing anti-poaching measures and intensive, proactive population management continue, with support from national and international actors."
