World Rhino Day!
Today, the 22nd September, is World Rhino Day – the day in which we celebrate all five species of rhino in both Asia and Africa – Javan, Sumatran, Black, White and Greater one-horned.
World Rhino Day was first announced by WWF-South Africa in 2010. The following year, it grew into an international success, encompassing both African and Asian rhino species. Today it is celebrated to help protect these amazing animals.
What is the theme for World Rhino Day?
Five Rhino Species Forever celebrates both African and Asian rhino species. In addition, World Rhino Day is an opportunity to highlight efforts to debunk the myths and diminish the demand for rhino horn.
What are the threats to rhinos?
Rhinos were once found throughout Eurasia and Africa, but today, three of the five rhino species are Critically Endangered, meaning they face a high chance of extinction. In recent years rhino numbers have dropped dramatically due to poaching for their horn which is prized in Asian countries. They also face threats from habitat loss and political conflict. Read more on the Save the Rhino Website
Do we have rhinos in Zambia?
Yes we do, but due to excessive hunting and poaching our rhinos became extinct during the 1990s. The rhinos that now live in Zambia were brought in from neighbouring countries.
Which species of rhino are found in Zambia?
Zambia is home to two species of rhino:
Black Rhino 
White Rhino
Black rhino (Diceros bicornis) which are on the vulnerable list. In the 1960s our black rhino population was the third largest in Africa, but just two decades later our rhinos were hurtling towards extinction and by 1998 they were declared extinct. Today, they can only be found in North Luangwa National Park
White rhino (Ceratotherium simum) which are on the near threatened list. White rhino were also poached to extinction by the early 1990s. In 2008 the then Zambia Wildlife Authority successfully relocated four white rhinos from South Africa to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, creating a new population north of the Zambezi River. You can see them, and their descendants in the park today.
You can find out more about the differences between our two rhino species on ARC’s Website – www.arczambia.com
What you can do to help save these endangered species
The North Luangwa Conservation Programme works to protect the wildlife and habitats of the North Luangwa National Park and surrounding areas. It is home to the only population of black rhino in Zambia. You can find out more by visiting their website and Facebook Page.
And if you thought you knew everything about rhinos, then check out this amazing story from Imire Rhino and Wildlife Conservation in Zimbabwe