Rhino populations face uneven trends as global numbers hit 26,700

According to the ‘Rhino Status 2026’ report published by the International Rhino Foundation (IRF), there are approximately 26,700 rhinoceroses remaining in the wild across five species in Africa and Asia.

The report highlights divergent trends among species. The white rhino population decreased from 17,464 in 2023 to approximately 15,752 by the end of 2024, a decline largely attributed to poaching in South Africa. Conversely, the black rhino population grew from 6,195 in 2022 to 6,788 by late 2024, and the Indian rhino saw a slight increase to roughly 4,075 individuals.

Asian species face much higher extinction risks. The Javan rhino population is critically low, with an estimated 50 individuals remaining in Indonesia’s Ujung Kulon National Park; this population declined by nearly 33% between 2019 and 2023 due to poaching. The Sumatran rhino is also experiencing a severe decline. Experts warn that without guaranteed protection and habitat conservation, the Javan rhino could face extinction within the next five decades.