# Global rhinoceros conservation efforts > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-rhinoceros-conservation-efforts > Updated: 2026-09-21T20:37:31.000Z. Sources: 28. Developments: 2. Rhino conservation efforts have seen localized success, such as in Kenya where the population grew by nearly nine percent between 2024 and 2025. The Kenya Wildlife Service reported an increase from 2,102 to 2,282 rhinos, attributing this to enhanced monitoring and protection strategies. On a global scale, World Rhino Day is used to highlight the divergent status of various species and the persistent threat of poaching. While southern white, black, and single-horned rhino populations remain significant, Javan and Sumatran rhinos are critically endangered with very low numbers remaining. The illegal black market trade, driven by medicinal myths in Asia, continues to fuel the poaching crisis. In India, the greater one-horned rhinoceros population is showing signs of success; the state of Assam alone hosts approximately 3,260 individuals and reported “zero poaching incidents in 2025”. To bolster these efforts, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ‘Project Rhino’, which aims to provide financial and technical support to range states for habitat management, protection, and genetic improvement of the species. Assam has since emerged as a critical stronghold, hosting nearly 80 percent of the world’s greater one-horned rhino population. In South Africa, the national rhino population is estimated at over 15,000 animals, though poaching remains a persistent threat, particularly in Kruger National Park. Additionally, reintroduction programs in Uganda and Mozambique have noted conservation successes. Despite these developments, the situation for Asian species remains dire, with Javan and Sumatran rhino populations estimated at only 50 and fewer than 50 individuals, respectively, leaving them on the brink of total extinction. ## Claims - Approximately 26,700 rhinos live globally according to the 2026 report. (disputed) - The global population of greater one-horned rhinos has grown to over 4,000. (disputed) - Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Project Rhino to provide financial and technical support for greater one-horned rhinoceros conservation. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Assam is home to nearly 80 percent of the global greater one-horned rhino population. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The Indian state of Assam recorded zero known rhino poaching incidents in 2025. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Assam currently has an estimated 3,260 rhinos. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Black rhino populations have more than doubled in the last 25 years. (single source) - Sumatran rhino populations are estimated at between 34 and 47 individuals, all located in Indonesia. (single source) - Approximately 50 Javan rhinos remain in the wild. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-21: Rhino conservation shows mixed results on World Rhino Day On World Rhino Day, reports show mixed conservation results: black and one-horned rhinos are recovering, while Javan and Sumatran rhinos face extinction. India has launched Project Rhino to bolster protection. 26 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/world-rhino-day-highlights-urgent-conservation-needs ### 2026-09-10: Kenya rhino population grows by 9% amid conservation milestones Kenya’s rhino population grew by nearly 9% to 2,282 in 2025. To mark World Rhino Day 2026, Nairobi will host the African premiere of the documentary ‘RHINO’ to highlight conservation efforts. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kenya-rhino-population-grows-by-9-amid-conservation-milestones --- Cite as: Global rhinoceros conservation efforts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-rhinoceros-conservation-efforts