Diceros bicornis

Taxonomy

Assessment Information

Geographic Range

Population

Habitat and Ecology

Threats

Conservation Actions

Taxonomy [top]

Kingdom	Phylum	Class	Order	Family
ANIMALIA	CHORDATA	MAMMALIA	PERISSODACTYLA	RHINOCEROTIDAE

Scientific Name:

Diceros bicornis

Species Authority

(Drummond, 1826)

Common Name/s:

English	–	Black Rhinoceros, Hook-lipped Rhinoceros
French	–	Rhinocéros Noir
Spanish	–	Rinoceronte Negro

Assessment Information [top]

Red List Category & Criteria:

Critically Endangered A2abcd ver 3.1

Year Assessed:

2008

Assessor/s

IUCN SSC African Rhino Specialist Group

Evaluator/s:

Hoffmann, M. & Stuart, S.N. (Global Mammal Assessment Team)

Justification:
Listed as Critically Endangered as the population of Black Rhino has declined by over 90% over the last sixty odd years reaching a low of 2,475 in 1992 and 2,410 in 1995, mainly as a result of poaching. Since then, numbers have been steadily increasing at a continental level.

History:

2003	–	Critically Endangered (IUCN 2003)
2002	–	Critically Endangered (IUCN 2002)
1996	–	Critically Endangered (Baillie and Groombridge 1996)
1994	–	Endangered (Groombridge 1994)
1990	–	Endangered (IUCN 1990)
1988	–	Endangered (IUCN Conservation Monitoring Centre 1988)
1986	–	Endangered (IUCN Conservation Monitoring Centre 1986)

Geographic Range [top]

Range Description:	There are four recognized ecotypes/subspecies of Black Rhinoceros occupying different areas of Africa. To the west, the subspecies D. b. longipes once ranged through the savanna zones of central-west Africa; in recent years, it has been known only from northern Cameroon (with a few animals possibly remaining in Chad) although based on surveys across most of its possible remaining range in Cameroon (which failed to find a single individual or sign of rhino, but did find evidence of widespread poaching) it is feared extinct. The other three more numerous subspecies are found in the eastern and southern African countries. The original range of D. b. bicornis included Namibia, southern Angola, western Botswana, and south-western and south-eastern South Africa (up to the Kei River), although today they occur only in Namibia (the stronghold) and South Africa. D. b. michaeli was distributed from southern Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia, through Kenya into northern-central Tanzania and Rwanda. Its current stronghold is Kenya. Smaller but growing numbers occur in northern Tanzania. A single animal was reported to survive in Rwanda (at least as of December 2005), but this animal has since been poached and they may now be extinct (although there have been unsubstantiated claims that another one animal still survives). One important free-ranging population occurred outside its range in a private game reserve in South Africa. Contractually, these D. b. michaeli animals may only be translocated back to historical range and not elsewhere in South Africa and/or to zoos. The repatriation of these animals back to former subspecies range in Tanzania is currently being planned. D. b. minor occurred from western and southern Tanzania through Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique to the northern, north-western and north-eastern parts of South Africa (north of the Mtamvuna river). It also probably occurred in southern Democratic Republic of the Congo, northern Angola, eastern Botswana, Malawi, and Swaziland. Today, its stronghold is South Africa and to a lesser extent Zimbabwe, with smaller numbers remaining in southern Tanzania. The South-central Black Rhino is now thought to be extinct in Angola and possibly also Mozambique, but has been reintroduced to Botswana, Malawi, Swaziland and Zambia. Note: At the request of certain members, the AfRSG has a policy of not releasing detailed information on the whereabouts of all rhino populations for security reasons. For this reason, only whole countries are shaded on the map.
Countries:	Native: Kenya; Namibia; South Africa; Tanzania, United Republic of; Zimbabwe Possibly extinct: Angola; Cameroon; Mozambique; Rwanda Regionally extinct: Chad Reintroduced: Botswana; Malawi; Swaziland; Zambia Presence uncertain: Ethiopia
Range Map:	(click map to view full version)

Population [top]

Population:	Throughout most of the 20th century, the Black Rhino was the most numerous of the world's rhino species. Relentless hunting of the species and clearances of land for settlement and agriculture resulted in the population being reduced from a probable several hundred thousand at the start of the century, to less than 2,500 by the early 1990s (the minimum population estimate in 1995 was approximately 2,410 (Emslie and Brooks 1999). Between 1970 and 1992, large-scale poaching caused a dramatic 96% collapse in numbers. From 1992-1995 total numbers remained relatively stable with increases in some countries (those with the best-protected and managed populations) being cancelled out by declines in others. However, since 1995, Black Rhino numbers at a continental level have increased every two years when continental population estimates have been revised reaching 4,180 by December 2007 (Emslie 2006; Emslie et al. 2007; AfRSG data 2008). Subspecies totals as of December 31, 2007, are provided in Table 1, based on AfRSG data for 2008. In Cameroon, no evidence of the Western Black Rhino was found during extensive surveys over much of its known range during the dry season in 2006. The population was estimated at 10 to 13 individuals in 2002, though these were unconfirmed. This subspecies may now be extinct. The South-western Black Rhino currently numbers 1,510 individuals, while the South-central subspecies numbers 1,980. Numbers of the Eastern Black Rhino stand at 700. Two countries have shown net increases in numbers of Black Rhino over the period 1980-2007: South Africa and Namibia, from estimated 630+300 in 1980 (Emslie and Brooks 1999) to 1,470 + 1,390, respectively in 2007 (AfRSG data 2008). In both countries, investments in conservation programmes, including monitoring and law enforcement, have been high. As with White Rhinos, four range states (South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Kenya) conserve the majority (95.7%) of remaining wild Black Rhino. As of December 2005, an additional 240 Black Rhino (171 D. b. michaeli and 69 D. b. minor) occurred in captivity worldwide (Emslie et al. 2007).
Population Trend:	Increasing

Population:

Throughout most of the 20th century, the Black Rhino was the most numerous of the world's rhino species. Relentless hunting of the species and clearances of land for settlement and agriculture resulted in the population being reduced from a probable several hundred thousand at the start of the century, to less than 2,500 by the early 1990s (the minimum population estimate in 1995 was approximately 2,410 (Emslie and Brooks 1999). Between 1970 and 1992, large-scale poaching caused a dramatic 96% collapse in numbers. From 1992-1995 total numbers remained relatively stable with increases in some countries (those with the best-protected and managed populations) being cancelled out by declines in others. However, since 1995, Black Rhino numbers at a continental level have increased every two years when continental population estimates have been revised reaching 4,180 by December 2007 (Emslie 2006; Emslie et al. 2007; AfRSG data 2008).

Subspecies totals as of December 31, 2007, are provided in Table 1, based on AfRSG data for 2008. In Cameroon, no evidence of the Western Black Rhino was found during extensive surveys over much of its known range during the dry season in 2006. The population was estimated at 10 to 13 individuals in 2002, though these were unconfirmed. This subspecies may now be extinct. The South-western Black Rhino currently numbers 1,510 individuals, while the South-central subspecies numbers 1,980. Numbers of the Eastern Black Rhino stand at 700.

Two countries have shown net increases in numbers of Black Rhino over the period 1980-2007: South Africa and Namibia, from estimated 630+300 in 1980 (Emslie and Brooks 1999) to 1,470 + 1,390, respectively in 2007 (AfRSG data 2008). In both countries, investments in conservation programmes, including monitoring and law enforcement, have been high. As with White Rhinos, four range states (South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Kenya) conserve the majority (95.7%) of remaining wild Black Rhino.

As of December 2005, an additional 240 Black Rhino (171 D. b. michaeli and 69 D. b. minor) occurred in captivity worldwide (Emslie et al. 2007).

Population Trend:

Increasing

Habitat and Ecology [top]

Habitat and Ecology:	Black Rhino occur in a wide variety of habitats from desert areas in Namibia (biceros) to wetter forested areas. The highest densities of rhinos are found in savannas on nutrient-rich soils and in succulent valley bushveld areas. Black Rhino are browsers and favour small Acacia’s and other palatable woody species (Grewia’s, Euphorbiacea species etc.) as well as palatable herbs and succulents. However, because of high levels of secondary plant chemicals, much woody plant browse (especially many evergreen species) in some areas is unpalatable. Failure to appreciate this, has in the past led to carrying capacities being over-estimated in some areas. Apart from plant species composition and size structure, Black Rhino carrying capacity is related to rainfall, soil nutrient status, fire histories, levels of grass interference, extent of frost and densities of other large browsers. To maintain rapid population growth rates and prevent potential habitat damage if the population overshoots carrying capacity, populations of black rhinos should be managed at densities below long term ecological carrying capacity (zero growth densities).
Systems:	Terrestrial

Habitat and Ecology:

Black Rhino occur in a wide variety of habitats from desert areas in Namibia (biceros) to wetter forested areas. The highest densities of rhinos are found in savannas on nutrient-rich soils and in succulent valley bushveld areas. Black Rhino are browsers and favour small Acacia’s and other palatable woody species (Grewia’s, Euphorbiacea species etc.) as well as palatable herbs and succulents. However, because of high levels of secondary plant chemicals, much woody plant browse (especially many evergreen species) in some areas is unpalatable. Failure to appreciate this, has in the past led to carrying capacities being over-estimated in some areas. Apart from plant species composition and size structure, Black Rhino carrying capacity is related to rainfall, soil nutrient status, fire histories, levels of grass interference, extent of frost and densities of other large browsers. To maintain rapid population growth rates and prevent potential habitat damage if the population overshoots carrying capacity, populations of black rhinos should be managed at densities below long term ecological carrying capacity (zero growth densities).

Systems:

Terrestrial

Threats [top]

Major Threat(s):	The Black Rhino faces a variety of threats. One of the main threats to the population is poaching for the international rhino horn trade. Rhino horn has two main uses: traditional use in Chinese medicine, and ornamental use (for example, rhino horn is a highly prized material for making ornately carved handles for ceremonial daggers (Jambiyas) worn in some Middle East countries). Civil unrest and the free flow of weapons in Africa have had a significant impact on African rhino conservation efforts. Black Rhino populations in Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, DR Congo, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda have to varying degrees all suffered from the consequences of war and civil unrest since the 1960s (Emslie and Brooks 1999). The negative effects of this have been exacerbated when combined with lack of political will and lack of conservation expenditure by some governments. Some detrimental effects include trading of rhino horn and ivory for weapons, increased poaching due to increased poverty in times of civil unrest, and diminished levels of protection for rhino populations as funds are diverted away from wildlife departments. Habitat changes can also cause rhino populations to decline.

Major Threat(s):

The Black Rhino faces a variety of threats. One of the main threats to the population is poaching for the international rhino horn trade. Rhino horn has two main uses: traditional use in Chinese medicine, and ornamental use (for example, rhino horn is a highly prized material for making ornately carved handles for ceremonial daggers (Jambiyas) worn in some Middle East countries).

Civil unrest and the free flow of weapons in Africa have had a significant impact on African rhino conservation efforts. Black Rhino populations in Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, DR Congo, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda have to varying degrees all suffered from the consequences of war and civil unrest since the 1960s (Emslie and Brooks 1999). The negative effects of this have been exacerbated when combined with lack of political will and lack of conservation expenditure by some governments. Some detrimental effects include trading of rhino horn and ivory for weapons, increased poaching due to increased poverty in times of civil unrest, and diminished levels of protection for rhino populations as funds are diverted away from wildlife departments. Habitat changes can also cause rhino populations to decline.

Conservation Actions [top]

Conservation Actions:	Black Rhino have been listed on CITES Appendix I since 1977. All international commercial trade in Black Rhinos and their products have been prohibited. To help reduce illegal trade, and complement CITES international trade bans, domestic anti-trade measures and legislation were implemented in the 1990s by a number of consumer states. Effective field protection of rhino populations has been critical. Many remaining rhino are now concentrated in fenced sanctuaries, conservancies, rhino conservation areas and intensive protection zones where law enforcement effort can be concentrated at effective levels. Monitoring has also provided information to guide biological management decison-making aimed at managing rhino populations for rapid population growth. This has resulted in surplus animals being translocated to set up new populations both within and outside the species’ former range. Following a decline in breeding performance in some areas, increased effort has recently been given to improving biological management with a view to increasing metapopulation growth rates. Increasing efforts are also being made to integrate local communities into conservation efforts (most notably in the Kunene region of Namibia). Strategically, Black Rhinos are now managed by a range of different stakeholders (private sector and state) in a number of countries increasing their long term security. In contrast to Southern White Rhino, most Black Rhino on privately owned land are managed on a custodianship basis for the state. Since CITES CoP13 limited sport hunting quotas have been approved of up to 5 surplus males annually (to further genetic and demographic conservation management goals) for the two range states with biggest populations (South Africa and Namibia). In addition to local and, national initiatives, there are a number of regional African rhino conservation initiatives: the South African Development Community (SADC) Regional Programme for Rhino Conservation, the SADC Rhino Management Group, and the Southern African Rhino and Elephant Security Group. IUCN SSC’s African Rhino Specialist Group is the continental coordinating body for rhino conservation in Africa.

Conservation Actions:

Black Rhino have been listed on CITES Appendix I since 1977. All international commercial trade in Black Rhinos and their products have been prohibited. To help reduce illegal trade, and complement CITES international trade bans, domestic anti-trade measures and legislation were implemented in the 1990s by a number of consumer states. Effective field protection of rhino populations has been critical. Many remaining rhino are now concentrated in fenced sanctuaries, conservancies, rhino conservation areas and intensive protection zones where law enforcement effort can be concentrated at effective levels. Monitoring has also provided information to guide biological management decison-making aimed at managing rhino populations for rapid population growth. This has resulted in surplus animals being translocated to set up new populations both within and outside the species’ former range. Following a decline in breeding performance in some areas, increased effort has recently been given to improving biological management with a view to increasing metapopulation growth rates. Increasing efforts are also being made to integrate local communities into conservation efforts (most notably in the Kunene region of Namibia). Strategically, Black Rhinos are now managed by a range of different stakeholders (private sector and state) in a number of countries increasing their long term security. In contrast to Southern White Rhino, most Black Rhino on privately owned land are managed on a custodianship basis for the state. Since CITES CoP13 limited sport hunting quotas have been approved of up to 5 surplus males annually (to further genetic and demographic conservation management goals) for the two range states with biggest populations (South Africa and Namibia). In addition to local and, national initiatives, there are a number of regional African rhino conservation initiatives: the South African Development Community (SADC) Regional Programme for Rhino Conservation, the SADC Rhino Management Group, and the Southern African Rhino and Elephant Security Group. IUCN SSC’s African Rhino Specialist Group is the continental coordinating body for rhino conservation in Africa.

Citation:	IUCN SSC African Rhino Specialist Group 2008. Diceros bicornis. In: IUCN 2008. 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 23 November 2008.
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