The black rhinocerous, native to central Africa, is listed as a critically endangered species by the International Union for the

Conservation of Nature. Conservationists say a recent rise in poaching threatens gains that have been made in saving the black rhino. A Highland woman was recently arrested on suspicion of being part of a black rhino horn smuggling ring. Authorities say the operation's attempts to buy up black rhino horns drive up the price on the black market and encourage poaching.

BLACK RHINO

Decrease in black rhino population between 1970 and 1992

96% 2011

Number of black rhinos surviving in the wild by 1993, down from 65,000 in 1970

2,300

BLACK RHINO POPULATION

Year the Western Black Rhinoceros, a subspecies, went extinct

Number of black rhinos currently in the wild, thanks to conservation efforts

4,800

AFRICA

Length of a black rhinos anterior horn. The posterior horn measures 22 inches long. SOURCE: INTERNATIONAL RHINO FOUNDATION

1-foot-8

Current distribution Inferred historic distribution

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