Several threats are edging rhinos closer to extinction. The continuing threats from illegal hunting for sport and poaching for their horns, and for use in traditional Asian medicine, mean that rhino numbers have fallen dramatically from historical levels.
The numbers of almost all species of rhino are declining – there are just over 18,000 white rhino, 5,630 black rhino, 3,588 Indian rhino and between 40 and 708 Sumatran Rhino. Javan rhino are the only species not to be in decline, but there are still just 65-58 left in the wild.