Context:
A new international study has reported that rhino dehorning has reduced poaching in African reserves by nearly 75–78%, positioning it as a highly cost-effective anti-poaching strategy. Dehorning removes most of the rhino horn — which is made of keratin — thereby reducing the economic incentive for poachers. When combined with patrols and monitoring, it significantly raises survival rates.
About Rhinoceros (Rhino)
Rhinos are large, herbivorous mammals belonging to the family Rhinocerotidae. They are among the planet’s oldest megafauna, surviving since prehistoric times.
Habitat
Rhinos live in a range of ecosystems, depending on the species, including:
- Grasslands and savannahs
- Tropical/subtropical forests
- Swampy and riverine areas
- Shrublands
Five Rhino Species
| Species | Region | Status |
|---|---|---|
| White rhino (Ceratotherium simum) | Africa | Near Threatened |
| Black rhino (Diceros bicornis) | Africa | Critically Endangered |
| Greater one-horned / Indian rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) | India, Nepal | Vulnerable |
| Javan rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus) | Indonesia | Critically Endangered |
| Sumatran rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) | Indonesia | Critically Endangered |
Conservation Status Summary
- Critically Endangered: Javan, Sumatran, Black rhino
- Vulnerable: Greater one-horned rhino
- Near Threatened: White rhino
