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Black rhinoceros - Kenya
photo: WWF-Canon / Michel GUNTHER |
Physical Characteristics
Rhinos have a distinct appearance that is characterized by several features: short, stout limbs to support their massive weight; feet with three toes producing an "ace of clubs" footprint; and fibrous horns. The horns have no bony central core; rather, they are a hoof-like collection of keratin fibers built upon a roughened area of the skull. Horn length varies from species to species, growing to more than 48 inches on the black rhino. Rhinos have very poor eyesight and must rely upon an acute sense of smell for information about their surroundings.
Threats
Dozens of species of rhinos once roamed the Earth, but only five exist today. These are the black and white rhinos in Africa; the Javan and Sumatran rhinos in Asia; and the greater Asian (or Indian) one-horned rhino. All of these are threatened, and most are in grave danger. Humans have driven these remnants of the world's prehistoric ages to the edge of extinction. While this loss has been due in part to habitat destruction and fragmentation, the major cause of death has been poaching to satisfy the demand for rhino horn, used in traditional Asian medicines and as decorative dagger handles in the Middle East. All international trade in rhino parts is illegal and while strengthening enforcement of wildlife trade controls is essential, it is also critical that the marketplace demand for rhino horn products be eliminated.
Status
All five species of rhino are endangered according to the United States Endangered Species Act and the IUCN Red List (with the exception of the southern white rhino which is listed as near threatened). All five species are also listed in Appendix I of CITES (Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). Appendix I listing prohibits international trade among CITES member nations. The following numbers were taken from the IUCN Species Survival Commission's African Rhino Specialist Group (2001) and Asian Rhino Specialist Group (2000):
Black Rhino - 3,100
southern - 1,651
southwestern - 943
eastern - 498
western - 8
White Rhino
northern - 30
southern - 11,640
Greater One-Horned (Indian) - 2,658
Javan - 61-68
Indonesian - 50-60
Vietnamese - 2-7
Sumatran - 234-330
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