The rhinoceros once roamed the world, but fewer than 30,000 different species of rhinos exist today, mostly in protected areas such as reserves, sanctuaries, and national parks. The black rhino has about 5,000 individuals (there were about 70,000 black rhinos as recently as 1970). It is no wonder that IUCN classifies the black rhino as ‘critically endangered.’ On the other hand, the white rhino number at least 17,000 (also in Africa) and is classified as ‘Near Threatened.’
A significant cause of the decline of the rhino population is the poaching and illegal trade of the rhino horn. In the current market, a kilogram of rhino horn could fetch over US$ 60,000. In many Asian countries, rhino horns are viewed as a standard wealth symbol and aphrodisiacs.
The demand and illicit trade of rhino horn were there even before the coronavirus. However, lockdowns and low tourism numbers have significantly increased poaching incidents in Africa.
In Botswana, poachers have killed at least six black rhinos since the coronavirus lockdown. Conservationists in Botswana are translocating black rhinos to undisclosed locations following the poaching and impending floods. Similarly, nine rhinos have been killed in South Africa. It is a bloody calamity that has led to the loss of lives too. Botswana security forces have killed at least five poachers in separate incidents.