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  WWF 25 Aug 06
Black rhino numbers on the rise in Kenya

Nairobi, Kenya: Thanks to ongoing conservation efforts by WWF and the Kenya Wildlife Service, black rhino numbers are on the rise in Kenya after years of decline from poaching and habitat loss.

According to officials, the country's black rhino population stood at 539 animals at the end of 2005, compared to 428 animals in 2003.

"This shows a healthy increase that surpassed our targets," said Dr Taye Teferi, Conservation Programme Director with WWF's Eastern Africa Regional Programme Office, based in Nairobi. "Considering the intense poaching pressure and the demand for rhino horn, this is no mean achievement."

The population growth is attributed to improved rhino protection, particularly through managing existing populations and ensuring that their habitats are suitable for foraging and reproducing.

Despite the good news, WWF still warns that there is no room for complacency. Black rhinos in Kenya and other parts of Africa are still under threat, especially from poachers who see the animal's horn as a promising source of wealth.

Rhino horn is in high demand in parts of Asia where it is often crushed into a powder and used for traditional medicine. In the Middle East, rhino horn is still fashioned into curved handles for ceremonial daggers.

WWF, through its black rhino project, is working with the Kenya Wildlife Service to increase Kenya's black rhino population to 1,000 by 2020 through the expansion of existing rhino sanctuaries and through the establishment of new protected areas that can accommodate future population growth.

"With increased improvement in wildlife management and monitoring, the black rhino population can continue to show a healthy growth rate for many years to come," added Dr Teferi.
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