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Goodbye to Western Black Rhinos in Africa

November 17, 2011

Goodbye to Western Black Rhinos in Africa

We were saddened to learn of the extinction of the African western black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis longipes) last week, as announced by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It was also reported that two other types of rhinos were close to the end as well.

At the Fossey Fund we fight every day to prevent the extinction of endangered gorillas, and although we know many species are fighting for survival, it is still a shock to absorb news like this. Perhaps stronger conservation measures could have saved them, as they have with the southern white rhino, or at least postponed their demise.

IUCN reports that some 25 percent of all mammals are at risk of extinction, as well one in eight birds and one in three amphibians. More information on all endangered species, including the entire list of threatened species, is available on their website. www.iucnredlist.org/