IRF, initially called the International Black Rhino Foundation in 1991, is dedicated to the survival of the world’s rhino species.
Key findings of the report
- With all five species combined, there are just under 28,000 rhinos left in world.
- Rhino poaching in Africa increased by 4% from 2022 to 2023.
- The number of white rhinos increased but greater one-horned rhino (Indian Rhino) number remained the same.
- White rhino populations in South Africa are on rise despite poaching.
About Rhino
- Five species of rhino: 2 African (White Rhino, Black Rhino) and 3 Asian (Indian rhino, Sumatran Rhino, and Javan Rhino).
- Rhino conservation initiatives: National Rhino Conservation Strategy 2019 to conserve Indian rhino; New Delhi Declaration on Asian Rhinos 2019; Indian Rhino Vision 2020 etc.
Difference between African Rhino and Asian Rhino
| Features | African Rhino | Asian Rhino |
| Size | White Rhino is second-largest land mammals after elephants. | Indian Rhino is largest of all Asian rhino species. |
| Appearance and Behaviour | – Less armoured look- More aggressive<br>- 2 horns- Poor swimmers and they can drown in deep water (so they wallow in mud)- Fights with their horns- Feed low to the ground | – More armoured look- Less aggressive- 2 horns (Sumatran rhino) and 1 horn (Indian Rhino and Javan rhinos)- Good swimmers- Fights with its bottom teeth- Graze on tall grasses, shrubs, leaves. |
| Habitat | Grasslands, savannas and shrublands; deserts | Tropical and subtropical grasslands and savannahs, Tropical moist forests |
| Conservation status (IUCN) | – White Rhino: Near threatened- Black Rhino: Critically Endangered | – Indian Rhino: Vulnerable; Schedule I (Wildlife Protection Act, 1972)- Sumatran Rhino: Critically Endangered- Javan Rhino: Critically Endangered |
