From strength to struggle
Prior to the Europeans, who arrived and settled in Africa, black rhinos thrived and were estimated to have a population of about 850,000 ("Diceros Bicornis Population," n.d.). European settlers who then arrived in the early 20th century to establish plantations and farms, proceeded to destroy their habitats for farmland and slaughter them, as they were considered to be pests. Because of this ongoing clearance of land for agriculture and senseless hunting, population numbers during the 1960s had dropped to an estimated 100,000 and by the 1970’s to 65,000 ("Diceros Bicornis Population," n.d.). This number continued to decrease throughout the 1980s to the 1990s and eventually resulted in a record low of only 2410 Black rhinos by 1995. The good news is recent conservation efforts have aiding in doubling the population to 4880 by the end of 2010 (Data Sheet African Rhino, n.d.) and more recently to 5055 during 2013 ("Rhino Population Figures," n.d.). If the current rate at which black rhino populations are increasing is extrapolated, a total population of about 6200 Black Rhinos (refer to figure 6.2.).
The only limiting factor for population growth of black rhinos ,is the poaching activities conducted for rhino horns; nonetheless population numbers have increased over the past few years due to conservation efforts. Once population numbers recover, a future limiting factor will be habitat availability. This is because many areas with the correct habitat for black rhinos in South Africa that are protected by conversationalists, are reaching ecological capacity since they are so small. ("Black Rhino Species Info," n.d.)
The only limiting factor for population growth of black rhinos ,is the poaching activities conducted for rhino horns; nonetheless population numbers have increased over the past few years due to conservation efforts. Once population numbers recover, a future limiting factor will be habitat availability. This is because many areas with the correct habitat for black rhinos in South Africa that are protected by conversationalists, are reaching ecological capacity since they are so small. ("Black Rhino Species Info," n.d.)