At a glance
- IUCN category
- EX · Extinct
- Animal group
- Mammals
- Population trend
- Trend unknown
- Last verified
Conservation overview
The western black rhinoceros was a subspecies of the black rhino found in west-central Africa. It was declared Extinct, with no confirmed sightings after the early 2000s.
Relentless poaching for horn wiped out the last animals.
Range & habitat
Formerly the savannas of west-central Africa.
Major threats
Threats below are drawn from the authoritative sources listed on this page. For the current, complete assessment, see the IUCN Red List.
- Poaching for horn
- Loss of habitat
- Failure of protection in its range
Why it matters
Declared extinct in 2011, the western black rhinoceros is a recent, stark reminder that poaching can erase even large, iconic animals within living memory.
Sources
Sources for Western Black Rhinoceros
- IUCN Red List — look up Western Black Rhinoceros (authoritative status)
- Animal Diversity Web
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the western black rhinoceros declared extinct?
It was declared Extinct in 2011 after surveys failed to find any survivors; it had not been reliably recorded since the early 2000s.
What caused its extinction?
Published accounts cite relentless poaching for rhino horn and the failure of protection across its range. The black rhinoceros as a whole survives and is the subject of intensive conservation. See the IUCN Red List.
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