As I continue in my research of endangered species, I think it would be beneficial to discuss the #1 animal on the list: The Black Rhino. I stumbled across a website entirely devoted to the subject of endangered and threatened animals. It offers every and any information you ever wanted to know about endangerment. There are specific sections including galleries, facts, and specific animal profiles. There are even sections discussing the laws that are protecting and keeping these animals alive. Kids sections as well as case studies done by zoologists are also available for view. The most interesting section, however, is the page devoted to the specific endangered and threatened animals in your specific state.
I particularly focused in on the page devoted to the Black Rhino, and why it is the number one endangered species on the planet. The Western African Black Rhino has unfortunately already been declared as extinct. However, there are still three other species of Black Rhino remaining. The main cause of death for these creatures is unfortunately due to poaching which is caused by the political instability in and around the areas where the rhinos reside. The Black Rhino has been listed as critically endangered since 2001, and as previously stated, there is no evidence that the Western African Black Rhino is still in existence. Black Rhinos are mainly hunted for their horns(which is made from the same material as our fingernails), which can be used to make cups, bowls, and even weapons such as daggers. Unfortunately many of the efforts made to decrease the poaching and stockpiles have been defeated.
With all this bad news, I am happy to report that many protective measures are being taken for the three remaining subspecies of the Black Rhino. Captive breeding for reintroduction is one of the many precautions taking place in order to prevent anything from happening to this creature again. International wildlife conservation groups continue to work to stop poaching activities in black rhino range states. These efforts and the involvement of local communities in protecting the black rhino and its habitat will be necessary if the remaining three subspecies are to avoid extinction.
I agree that the topic of endangered species needs to be brought up. It is sad that animals like the Black Rhino are becoming threatened because of actions by humans, like poaching. I think that captive breeding for reintroduction into the wildlife is a very good option, but at the end of the day I feel like we are the deciding factor in whether an animal becomes endangered or not
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