Rhino Conservation

Rhinoceroses are large, powerful animals with thick skin and one or two horns on their noses. There are five species of rhinos, and all of them are in danger. Poachers hunt rhinos for their horns, which are sold illegally. Conservation programs around the world are fighting to save these incredible creatures.

The Poaching Crisis

Rhino horns are made of keratin, the same material as your fingernails. Despite having no special powers, rhino horns are illegally traded for high prices. Poachers have killed thousands of rhinos in recent years. The northern white rhino is nearly extinct, with only two females left in the world.

Fighting Back

Rangers risk their lives to protect rhinos from poachers. Some rhinos are fitted with GPS trackers so their locations can be monitored. Conservationists have even removed horns from living rhinos to make them less attractive to poachers. Breeding programs and strict laws are slowly helping rhino numbers recover in some areas.

Fun Facts

• White rhinos are not actually white. Their name comes from the Dutch word wijd, meaning wide, referring to their mouths.
• A group of rhinos is called a crash!
• Rhinos have poor eyesight but an excellent sense of smell and hearing.

Did You Know?

The southern white rhino was once down to fewer than 50 animals but has recovered to more than 16,000 thanks to conservation efforts!