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04/12/2025
The global wild rhino population has plummeted dramatically—from half a million individuals at the beginning of the 20th century to fewer than 28,000 today. Several subspecies are even on the brink of extinction.
According to a special report titled The State of Rhinos published by the International Rhino Foundation (IRF), the world now has only five rhino species; three out of the five are classified as Critically Endangered. Altogether, the total population of all five species is under 28,000.
Chart showing changes in wild rhino populations. (Infographic: IRF)
Current global rhino status by species. (Source: IRF)
White Rhinoceros (Africa)
At the top of the list is the African white rhinoceros, with an estimated population of around 17,464 individuals, classified as Near Threatened. This species is distributed across 11 African countries.
It includes two subspecies: the Southern white rhino and the Northern white rhino. However, the northern subspecies now has only two surviving females, effectively rendering it extinct in practical terms.
African white rhinoceros. (Photo: IRF)
Since 2012, white rhino numbers have sharply declined due to intense poaching, which targets them heavily. According to IRF, the white rhino population fell by 24% between 2012 and 2021.
Black Rhinoceros
Second on the list is the black rhino. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), about 6,421 black rhinos remain, found in Namibia, South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Mozambique, and others. The population consists of three subspecies; the western black rhino was declared extinct in 2011. Black rhinos are listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN.
A black rhinoceros. (Photo: IRF)
As of late 2023, black rhino numbers dropped 1% from 2022, largely due to ongoing poaching in Namibia and South Africa’s Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park. Nevertheless, experts hope the situation may improve in the near future.
According to IRF, 586 rhinos were poached in Africa in 2023, with 499 of those killed in South Africa alone. On average, a rhino is killed every 15 hours on the African continent.
Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros
The Greater One-Horned rhino has a population of 4,014, and is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. It primarily inhabits India and Nepal, with small numbers in Bhutan. These three countries collaborate closely under a transboundary rhino management strategy. As a result, the species has grown steadily, with a 20% increase over the past decade.
Greater one-horned rhino – classified as Vulnerable. (Photo: IRF)
Despite its growth, the species remains vulnerable. Poaching continues to pose a significant threat, and the species has been pushed out of many areas where it once thrived. Full recovery will require not only protecting current populations but also reintroducing rhinos to previously lost habitats.
Another major threat comes from invasive plant species, and the Greater One-Horned rhino is also among the species most affected by climate change.
Javan Rhinoceros
Javan rhinos once lived in Vietnam as well. However, in 2011, the last individual in Vietnam was confirmed dead—leaving Indonesia as the final stronghold of the species.
A Javan rhino in the wild. (Photo: IRF)
According to IUCN data, as of 2023, only around 76 Javan rhinos remain, listing the species as Critically Endangered. However, the International Rhino Foundation provides additional data suggesting that from 2019 to 2023, 26 rhinos were poached in Ujung Kulon National Park (Indonesia). IRF therefore estimates that the actual population may be closer to 50 individuals.
Sumatran Rhinoceros
A Sumatran rhino observed in the wild.
Last on the list is the Sumatran rhinoceros. With a global population estimated at 34–47 individuals, it is classified as Critically Endangered. This elusive species prefers dense tropical forests, making individuals extremely difficult to detect in the wild. A captive breeding program at the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary is underway, aiming to rebuild the population.
