Overview

• The global wild rhino population is estimated at about 26,700 based on IUCN-coordinated counts of free-ranging animals
• Critically endangered black rhino numbers rose from 6,195 to 6,788 and greater one-horned rhinos increased from 4,014 to 4,075
• White rhino populations slipped by 190 individuals to 15,752 since 2021 despite intensified fencing, patrols and de-horning efforts
• Javan rhinos have plunged to roughly 50 animals due entirely to poaching while Sumatran rhinos remain critically low at 34–47
• South Africa continues to lose 400–500 rhinos annually and conservationists warn that new smuggling corridors to Mongolia and Qatar could undercut anti-poaching gains