Rhinos are killed for many reasons, sometimes because their horns, when powdered, are used in Chinese medicine. Poaching was undeniably the main cause of the species’ extinction and is a continuing threat to all remaining rhino species (there are only three subspecies of black rhinos left in the wild, all of which are considered to be endangered by the IUCN). The last western black rhinos to live in the wild were confined to a small area of Cameroon and were killed between 20 (reports vary as to the exact dates) at the hands of opportunistic poachers.

Sadly, as of 2006, the IUCN had stockpiled enough evidence to declare the western black rhino extinct, but the group usually waits for five years before making an official announcement, just in case a living specimen is spotted or discovered alive. The announcement marked a sad day in history for anyone concerned with conservation or the wellbeing of our natural world.ĭespite the news sending media shockwaves around the world, the first proclamation of extinction was actually given in 2011 by non-profit organization ‘Save The Rhino’, however, this was not considered official, so some conservationists still held on to hope.

The western black rhinoceros, a subspecies of African black rhinoceros, has officially been declared extinct by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) this month.

Western black rhinoceros extinct