Conservationists have quiet cause for celebration over a rise in the numbers of the African black rhino. The numbers of the animals in the wild have risen by several hundred. The rhinos had been poached to a level of near extinction, but efforts to protect them have paid dividends. Black rhinos are still endangered and are at risk of extinction, but conservationists are hopeful their numbers will continue to grow. The International Union for Conservation of Nature reported that there were 4,845 black rhinos in Africa in 2012. This number rose to around 5,630 in 2018, an increase of 2.5 per cent per year over the six years. The Union said the numbers bode well for saving the species.
A lot of effort has been put into saving the black rhino. These include relocating the beasts into areas less frequented by poachers, ensuring a better male-to-female ratio to aid reproductive success, and stronger legislation to protect the species. The Union said: "The continued slow recovery is a testament to the immense efforts made in the countries and a powerful reminder that conservation works." It added: "There is no room for complacency as poaching and illegal trade remain acute threats. It is essential that the ongoing anti-poaching measures and intensive, proactive population management continue, with support from national and international actors."
