New hope for black rhinos
Accurate at time of publication: 21 September 2026
Issue
Rhinos are a vital part of nature in Africa. These shy giants spend their days grazing and browsing, which helps keep their habitats healthy for other wildlife. They also attract tourists, creating employment opportunities for local people.
Illegal hunting or ‘poaching’ is one of the biggest threats to rhino populations in Africa. Poachers will kill rhinos to supply and profit from the illegal international rhino horn trade.
During 2024, an estimated 516 rhinos were poached across Africa.
And, in Kenya rhinos desperately need more space to thrive, which means increasing the amount of safe habitat to take the pressure off overcrowded sanctuaries.
Solution
WWF has played a critical role in protecting and restoring black rhino numbers in Kenya. Working with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and other partners, WWF has helped to strengthen rhino monitoring by training new rhino monitors, providing equipment and technology to improve surveillance, while supporting ranger capacity and welfare – including the solarisation of ranger camps.
In addition, WWF has supported efforts to improve ecological management under Kenya’s Black Rhino Action Plan (2022-2026) – a collaborative strategy for black rhino conservation, developed with funding support from WWF-UK – helping create conditions for populations to grow.
results
Despite poaching remaining high across the continent, Kenya’s black rhino population has more than doubled – from fewer than 400 in the 1980s to 1,147 individuals at the end of 2025. This is an increase of 8.3% from 2024 and means Kenya is on track to meet its target of 2,000 black rhinos by 2037. This encouraging progress is only possible because of many organisations, including WWF, government authorities and local people working together.
And across Africa, there are other signs of hope. African authorities have estimated that black rhino numbers increased by 5.2% between 2023 and 2024, now totalling 6,788 individuals. WWF-UK funding supports rhino conservation in Tanzania, where black rhino populations are also increasing, up from 190 in 2020 to 285 in 2025.
However, unfortunately Africa’s white rhino population has recently declined to 15,752 individuals, showing why continued action is needed to support rhino conservation.
“This accomplishment represents a mission that seemed impossible when Kenya began its rhino conservation efforts. It has set a precedent for other rhino habitats across Africa, signalling the possibility of doubling rhino populations continent-wide.”
Emergency response
During the severe droughts of 2022 and 2023, WWF-Kenya provided crucial support to rhino populations facing dire conditions. This included:
- Feeding rhinos: Distributing hay and extra feed to keep rhinos healthy.
- Water top-ups: Distributing water in rhino sites across Kenya, ensuring that rhinos had access to enough water during the peak of the drought.
- Year-round water supply: Constructing solar-powered water pumps in sanctuaries where the situation was particularly bad. This sustainable solution guarantees a reliable water source, supporting conservation efforts and the wellbeing of both wildlife and people.
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