There are few animals as majestic and awe-inspiring as the rhinoceros, but sadly nearly all rhino species are considered critically endangered. World Rhino Day is not just about appreciating these beautiful beasts, but learning how to help protect them. Read on to learn more about rhinos and how you can help save them.
photo: Roman Boed via flickr cc
Black Rhino (Diceros bicornis): Lives in Africa, mostly in grasslands, savannahs and tropical bush lands. There are four types of black rhinos. Black rhinos are crtically endangered.
Javan Rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus): Now found only in Indonesia’s Ujung Kulon National Park in west Java, they can live 30-40 years and are relatively solitary.
Sumatran Rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis): The most critically endangered of all the species only about 100 living in the dense tropical forests of Sumatra and central Borneo.
Greater One-Horned Rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis): This rhino species lives in northern India and southern Nepal, in floodplain grasslands and nearby woodland area. They are currently listed as vulnerable.
White Rhino (Ceratotherium simum): The near-threatened status of the white rhino applies to the Southern white rhino. Sadly, the Northern white rhino is extinct due to poaching. The white rhino lives in the African savannah.
How can you help?
1. Attend or help organize a Bowling for Rhinos night at your local alley.
2. Donate to Air Shepard, an organization that uses drones to stop poachers before they harm rhinos, elephants and other endangered species.
3. The International Rhino Foundation offers an adopt-a-rhino program. Adopt a Sumatran rhino and receive a photo and bio of your chosen rhino along with an adoption certificate. Friend the head rhino on Facebook to stay apprised of your rhinos adventures.
4. You can also adopt an African rhino through the World Wildlife Fund and receive a plush rhino along with an adoption certificate and more.
Got other ideas on how to help the rhinos? Share them with our community in the comments below.
—Amber Guetebier
