The IUCN's African Rhino Specialist Group undertook an expedition to northern Cameroon recently to identify how many West African black rhinos remained in the region. In 2002, a similar survey had shown that the number of black rhinos had dwindled to only 10 individuals that were spread out over a large area. At such low population level and density, the risk of extinction was very high.

Sadly, this year's attempts by IUCN specialists to locate any rhinos failed. There were no signs of rhinos such as tracks, droppings, or foraging. The IUCN has now classified the subspecies as tentatively extinct.

Poaching for horns is thought to have decimated the West African black rhino population and is cited as the main reason for their extinction. The region's political and economic instability as well as shrinking conservation budgets made the prevention of poaching impossible.

Find out more:

• West African Black Rhino Feared Extinct (IUCN)
• Extinction Fear for Black Rhino (BBC News)
• West African Black Rhino Extinct, Group Says (National Geographic)

Photo © Hubert Planton