As the poaching for their horns continues, the threat of extinction grows for the black rhino. But things are starting to change for the better for this stunning creature. In the brush of Rwanda, Black Rhinos are set to be reintroduced into the wilderness. African Parks, a conservation group which just also recently reintroduced 20 rhinos into the Akagera National Park, will head up the operation.
“Rhinos are one of the great symbols of Africa yet they are severely threatened and are on the decline in many places across the continent due to the extremely lucrative and illegal rhino horn trade,” said Peter Fearnhead, the CEO of African Parks, in a statement.
“The rhino’s return to this country, however, is a testament to Rwanda’s extraordinary commitment to conservation and is another milestone in the restoration of Akagera’s natural diversity.”
The terrors of the Rwandan Civil War and increase in poaching in recent years took a major tool on the Black Rhino. 2007, being the last year that the rhino was seen in not only the wild of Akagera, but also the entire country.
Related: Manatees have been removed from the endangered species list.
Now with the park being under the management of African Park, the national park has begin anew and is thriving. Herds of elephants wander, pods filled with hippos, and lions resting in the shade. These animals all being reintroduced two years ago.
Even with the fantastic news, the poaching of the Black Rhino is still a major problem. With only 5,000 black rhinos thought to be in Africa. But with the increase of security of regular helicopter surveillance over the park and a canine anti-poaching team and the six year of management from African Park, the park has seen an all-time low in poaching.
Hopefully someday the black rhino will join these other species recently removed from the ebdangered species list.
