"Facing Extinction"

A pencil drawing of a Black Rhino, (Diceros bicornis) and a White Rhino,(Ceratotherium simum).

Sub-Saharan Africa is home to two of the world’s five species of rhino: the Black or hook-lipped rhino and the White or square-lipped rhino. Both species’ numbers were decimated during the 1970’s and ‘80’s to supply the demand for rhino horn used as medicine in the Far East and as ornamental dagger handles in Yemen.

Conservation organisations and national park authorities are going to great efforts to save these two endangered species with captive breeding programmes taking place within Africa and as far a field as Australia, and the monitoring of wild populations using radio tracking equipment within areas patrolled by anti-poaching units. While there has been a slow but steady increase in the numbers of White rhinos, the Black is, for some reason, finding it harder to fight back. Unless the Far East acknowledges that rhino horn has no medicinal properties, other than as a mild painkiller that is not as affective as aspirin, both Africa’s rhino species are still at risk and their future is far from secure.

The saving of any species is a costly business and the money raised by conservation organisations is vital in providing local and international awareness, equipment and safe environments in which all wildlife can thrive.

The Environmental Investigation Agency, is an independent, international campaigning organisation committed to investigating and exposing the illegal trade in endangered species, ozone depleting substances and illegal logging.

“Facing Extinction” is not only a picture that shows some of the physical differences between the two African rhino species but will hopefully raise greater awareness to their plight. 50% of sale proceeds will be donated to the Environmental Investigation Agency.

Black Rhino – Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
August 1991

White Rhino – Londolozi Game Reserve, South Africa
December 1994.