Our Work to Protect Rhinos
A Species
Under Pressure
Rhinos are facing one of the most serious wildlife crises of our time.
Globally, fewer than 30,000 rhinos remain. The northern white rhino is functionally extinct following the death of the last male in 2018.
While habitat loss contributes to the challenge, the primary threat to rhinos today is poaching, driven by organised criminal networks and an illegal international trade in rhino horn.
Understand the Rhino Poaching Crisisrhinos remain globally, with several species critically endangered and under constant threat from organised wildlife crime.
The Illegal Trade & The Black Market
Driven by Demand.
Fuelled by Crime.
International trade restrictions under CITES were introduced to protect rhinos. However, the persistence of an illegal black market has driven rhino horn prices to extraordinary levels, incentivising organised wildlife crime.
Rhino horn is composed of keratin, the same material as human fingernails, yet demand in illegal markets has made it one of the most valuable wildlife commodities in the world.
In many regions, poaching rates have outpaced birth rates, placing immense strain on remaining populations.
Private reserves, which protect a significant proportion of southern white rhinos, receive limited government funding and must finance protection independently.
Learn About Rhino Threats & Illegal TradeOrganised criminal networks continue to drive demand for rhino horn globally.
Poaching can outpace birth rates, placing immense strain on rhino populations.
Frontline reserves often fund anti-poaching operations independently.
From Crisis to Action
Practical Frontline Conservation
Endangered Rhino Conservation exists not simply to highlight the crisis, but to respond to it.
Our work focuses on practical, frontline conservation measures that directly increase a rhino’s chance of survival.
Rhino Protection & Anti-Poaching
ERC supports anti-poaching patrols, surveillance, monitoring and coordinated protection strategies to reduce risk and respond rapidly to threats.
Explore Rhino Protection →
Horn Trimming & Dehorning
Because rhino horn regrows naturally, trimming reduces financial incentive for poachers and improves survival when part of a broader strategy.
Understand Dehorning →
K9 Units & Rapid Response
Specialist K9 units help detect illegal activity, track suspects and strengthen rapid response capability.
Learn About K9 Units →
Research & Education
ERC supports research and education programmes that inform conservation decisions and develop future conservation leaders.
Explore Research & Education →A Holistic Approach to Conservation
No Single Solution
Can Save Rhinos
Effective conservation requires a coordinated strategy, combining protection, preventative intervention, research, education and collaboration.
By supporting frontline conservation work across these areas, ERC seeks not only to prevent loss, but to stabilise and grow rhino populations over time.