A Fascination Spanning Centuries

Humans have always been fascinated by the unique appearance of rhinos. In fact, when they first began to be described and reported more widely by explorers, many didn’t believe they could truly exist.

It’s not hard to see why, given how they were described and presented. In 1769, Thomas Boreman wrote in his ‘Description of Three Hundred Animals’:

“He has two girdles upon his body, like the wings of a dragon, from his back down to his belly… his skin is so hard, that no dart is able to pierce it, and covered over with scales, like the shell of a tortoise.”

You’d be forgiven for thinking that this was a denizen of the forests of Hogwarts, but of course, it is the humble rhinoceros that is being described – in particular, the greater one-horned rhino (aka the Indian rhino – see above).

So incredible was the impact of the rhino’s appearance, that the 18th century saw ‘Rhinomania’ sweep across Europe. Their distinctive shape and features were seen on everything from clocks to even wigs. And for the very rich, nothing was more prestigious than having a rhinoceros in your menagerie. Famously, Louis XV considered his greater one-horned rhino the pride of his collection, and it can currently be seen at the London Science Museum.

A Modern Crisis

However, although our fascination with rhinos has continued into modern times, it has mostly been to the detriment of the species. Tragically, no longer can it be said that darts or other weapons are unable to penetrate the hide of nature’s tank. And instead of marveling at their unique appearance, our obsession now has far more tragic consequences for the species, as demand for their horn continues to push populations across both Asia and Africa closer to extinction.

In 2025 so far, just in Kruger National Park alone, 35 rhinos have been lost to poaching. In 2024, across South Africa, 420 rhinos were taken by poachers. And although this represents a 16% reduction compared to 2023, this should in no way be seen as a victory – after all, as populations continue to fall so drastically, it follows there will be fewer animals to poach. Early indications also suggest an increase in carcass numbers. Our previous blog outlines the plight of rhinos across Africa and Asia.

In truth, wildlife trafficking and crime remain a significant global challenge and only the toughest of responses will disrupt these organised, criminal networks exploiting species like rhinos.

Through dedicated campaigning for international protection (such as our work with CITES), to undercover investigations, anti-poaching patrols, and demand reduction initiatives through the programmes and projects we fund, attitudes and approaches are beginning to change.

A 22-year prison sentence was recently handed out to four poachers for separate crimes carried out in Kruger, by Skukuza Regional Court in January, helping maintain their near 100% conviction rate for poachers.

Also in January of this year, record sentences were given out to a network of poachers operating in Ujong Kulon National Park, indicated in the killing of up to 26 Javan rhinos between 2019 and 2023. These animals are some of the rarest mammals on Earth, with just an estimated 76 individuals left. The strict sentences and fines were given out after it was determined these weren’t just crimes against nature, but also the state – who is working diligently to safeguard them.

What We’re Doing and How You Can Help

Recognising these actions as serious crimes and ensuring they are punished to the full extent of the law is something DSWF has prioritised and pushed as part of ongoing work.

But we can’t do it without your help… and as the declining numbers and ongoing persecution of rhinos we’ve put in the spotlight today shows, the clock is ticking.

Please donate to our ‘In the Footsteps of Giants’ appeal today to secure a tomorrow for rhinos.

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