Poaching history: During the 19th century, as European influence over land use and trade strengthened, the black rhino, which was the most numerous rhino species with several hundred thousand animals, was hunted relentlessly across most of Africa. By 1970 there were an estimated 65,000 animals left. Today, the black rhino remains a rare sight due to an increase in poaching.
Chinese medicine: Poaching pressure escalated during the 1970s and 1980s as a result of the rising demand for rhino horn in Asia and the Middle East. Between 1970 and 1992, the black rhino suffered a 96% reduction in numbers, with total numbers dipping as low as around 2,400.
Poachers remain the biggest threat to the black rhino. However, with strict protection and effective biological management, black rhino numbers are slowly recovering and currently there are approximately 5055 animals (according to figures published by IUCN in 2012).