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Status: Critically Endangered
Population: Around 5600
Habitat: Deserts and Grasslands in Africa
Description: Black rhinos have two horns (and occasionally a third) and are smaller than the other species of African rhino. Black rhino populations went down drastically in the 20th century when the European settlers and hunters came. Between 1960 and 1995 the black rhino population dropped by 98%. Luckily, people worked to save the rhinos and now there are around 5600 black rhinos left in the wild, compared to the 2500 that there was in 1960 to 1995. But the species still remains critically endangered, unless we work to save them.
Poaching is the biggest and deadliest threat to black rhinos. Poachers kill them for their horns and sell them on the black market. Demand for rhino horn became increasingly desperate. Some Asian people use rhino horn in remedies.
Habitat loss is another threat to black rhinos. Human settlements and roads have led to habitat fragmentation.
Black rhinos matter because they graze on lots of grass, which helps to shape Africa's landscape. They also are a popular sight for tourists.
You can help by not buying rhino horn products and use and support sustainable palm oil. You can also donate to charity.