We Are One: Vanishing Eastern Black Rhinos

The Black Rhino has suffered a drastic population decline from about 850,000 in the 20th century to 5,055 individuals in 2013. Three out of four subspecies remain with the Eastern Black Rhino being the most endangered at only 740 animals at last count in 2011. The major cause of this decline is illegal poaching for Rhino horns which are sought after for traditional Chinese medicine and dagger handles in Yemen. Sadly, the coveted horn is made out of nothing more than keratin, the same substance that makes up our nails and hair.

Black Rhinos can be distinguished from other rhinos by their prehensile upper lip in the shape of a "V" that allows them to grasp leaves to eat. They also have two horns while other species of rhinos have only one.

Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
Habitat: Highland forests and savannas of Kenya. Prior to 2010, they also inhabited Ethiopia, Somalia and Tanzania. Their populations have been decreased by 90% over the last 30 years.
Threats: Illegal Poaching is their number one threat followed by habitat loss. Most live in preserves.

Watch the story of the last male White Rhinoceros. With his horns already ground down as a deterrent to poachers, he is still heavily guarded by armed rangers to prevent his demise. The rangers face considerable danger as poachers have been know to kill them as well. https://youtu.be/8r0LyKaf0JU

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_black_rhinoceros
http://www.arkive.org/black-rhinoceros/diceros-bicornis/
http://www.rhinos.org/rhinos/black-rhino
http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/6557/0