The African Rhino- Vulnerable Despite a Thick Skin

The Western Black Rhino may be on its last legs, as only a measly population of less than seven separated individuals roam the savannah woodlands of northern Cameroon. Their separation has raised serious practical concerns over the possibility of propagating. This kind is rated as Critically Endangered, but conservationists have not given up, and the International Rhino Foundation (www.rhinos-irf.org) together with others have in great urgency stepped in to try and save the situation.

The Eastern Black Rhinos survival prospects are better than those of the western subspecies. The subspecies is notorious for its aggressive nature. It differs slightly in appearance from the other black rhinos, as it is slightly leaner and longer and has a more curved and elongated horn. This breed has found a favourable refuge in Kenya's Lake Nakuru and Tsavo National Parks. There are also small populations living in Tanzania and Rwanda and a single one in South Africa. Only about 520 eastern black rhino's exist in the wild, while another 175 are in captivity.

The South-Western Black Rhino is more adaptive to the arid and semi-arid areas and has found home in the arid savannahs of southern Africa. This subspecies has an upright horn and even tougher skin than other rhinos' to suit the climatic conditions. About 1,300 south-westerns roam the wild, and none is held in captivity.

Though still in unacceptably low numbers, the southern-central subspecies is the most prolific of the black rhinos; about 1,800 exist in the wild. It is mainly found in South Africa, and smaller populations in Zimbabwe and Swaziland. This subspecies has shown tremendous improvement in well being over time, though it can hardly be said to be safely out of the woods.

Overall, the popu lation of black rhino was estimated at 3,600 in 2005, mainly in Namibia (34%), South Africa (36%), Zimbabwe (15%) and Kenya (12%).

In southern Africa, the best way to catch up with both white and black rhinos is by taking a South Africa safari. Here, a good location will be Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park in central Zululand. In eastern Africa, on a Kenya safari you are bound to come across fine specimens of black rhino at Lake Nakuru National Park. At other locations in Kenya, rhinos are not numerous enough to guarantee a sighting.

The rhino is a huge beast and few animals in the wild can match it strength and ferocity. Man is its only mortal enemy and poaching continues to be the greatest menace facing the African rhino. For so long, the rhino has been hunted for its horn, which is believed by some- particularly in greater Asia to be of untold medicinal value. In the Middle East, the horn is converted into prized dagger handles whose black market price exceeds that of gold.

There are many reasons rhino poaching continues in Africa, with poverty, war, civil strife and corruption being leading causes. And with high prices on offer, poachers do not hesitate to seize any chance to make a living. It is possible that sustained progress will only be made once governments in the African countries hosting the rhino develop increased capacity to keep law and order, and reduce poverty so as to arbitrate between the interests of man and beast.

Resources are also needed to effect occasional translocations - which can be quite pricey. This measure can boost the genetic diversity of rhino populations. In the long run, this will raise the rhino's fertility and reduce mortality rates- sometimes issues of serious concern. Today the biggest number of Africa' rhinos live under the authorities careful watch in protected areas. It calls for constant vigilance to keep away the blood-soaked hands of the rhino's enemies.

The progress made in recent years in saving the rhino has resulted from closer collaboration particularly between governments, conservation organisations and managers of private and public sanctuaries.

Some of the initiatives have involved trying to get local communities in the territories where rhinos live to side with the rhino, while fostering regional cooperation and deepening the capacities of wildlife conservation agencies to protect the rhino.

The development of safe techniques of rhino translocation has helped conservation by easing the introduction of populations in new areas. The most radical conservation approach involves attempts to start dialogue with governments and traders, with the aim of setting up a regime of limited legal rhino horn trade.

In the last 100 years, so much of the African rhino's blood has been spilled. Yet victory is still far off and the future of this momentous beast still hangs in the balance.

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