By Sage G.

Black rhinoceros have been searched for and poached for many years. The reason why the black rhino species is critically endangered is because people hunt and poach them for their horns.

You might be wondering what poaching is exactly: poaching is illegal trafficking or killing wildlife. Poaching really has made a big impact since rhino horns are so valuable. Their horns are perceived as useful for trading, selling, and medicine. They are a symbol used to demonstrate wealth and strength in Vietnam and China, according to Save the Rhino International, a London-based nonprofit organization.

There are around 6,100 black rhinos left in the wild. Thankfully people are still trying to save the black rhino, creating safe havens in places such as Kenya, South Africa, and Namibia. There are actually armed guards making sure no one kills the rhinos. Luckily the World Wildlife Fund, the WWF, launched an international effort to rescue the black rhino in 1961, which caused black rhinos to grow in population from around 2,410 in 1995 to more than 6,000 today. The black rhino made a huge comeback, and there are still some ways to keep them at a high number by not buying any rhino horn products, donating to WWF, and using and supporting sustainable products such as wood, paper, and palm oil.