Conservationists in South Africa are marking World Rhino Day under the shadow of relentless poaching, as the country continues to be both a safe haven and a battleground for the iconic species. On average, one rhino is still killed every day in South Africa, underscoring the scale of the threat. South Africa holds the world’s largest populations of both black and white rhinos — around 2,000 and 12,000 to 13,000 respectively — making it a global stronghold for the species. But because of that success, we have really been the target of rhino poaching and organized crime,” she explained. South Africa’s conservationists stress that their role as “custodians” of the species is critical to preventing extinction.