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African Rhino Population Surges, White Rhinos Increase For First Time In Decade

September 25, 2023

African authorities have reported a remarkable increase in the rhino population.

According to the latest estimates, there were approximately 23,290 rhinos across the continent at the end of 2022, marking a significant 5.2% increase compared to the previous year.

A combination of protection and biological management initiatives have resulted in an overall tally of 6,487 black rhinos in Africa, up 4.2% from 2021.

White rhinos now number around 16,803 animals (compared to 15,942 at the end of 2021), an increase of 5.6%.

This is the first increase in white rhino numbers since 2012.

"With this good news, we can take a sigh of relief for the first time in a decade. However, it is imperative to further consolidate and build upon this positive development and not drop our guard," said Dr Michael Knight, Chair of the IUCN African Rhino Specialist Group (AfRSG).

Earlier this month, NGO African Parks announced the purchase of the world's largest population of privately owned white rhinos. The non-profit conservation organization plans to rewild the rhinos to safe and well-managed protected areas across Africa.