Black Rhino by Nathalie Heseltine
The artwork used on these cards was created to cast light on a variety of endangered species from around the world. Made from collages of magazine clippings, the originals of these vibrant and beautiful pieces have been exhibited in London.
The Black Rhino
STATUS: Critically endangered
Once found throughout much of Sub Saharan Africa, Black Rhino are now restricted to fragmented populations in reserves in Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Cameroon, Malawi and Swaziland. They have two horns, which are made of keratin, and in common with other rhinoceros, it has poor eyesight but a keen sense of smell and hearing.
An estimated 96% of the Black Rhino population was lost between 1970 and 1992. They have been poached to the brink of extinction due to the demand for their horn, both for use in Chinese traditional medicine and for traditional dagger handles in Yemen.
CONSERVATION: Armed guards protect the remaining animals in national parks. Dehorning has also been used in some countries to reduce the incentives to poach. One campaign aims to fly 85 rhinos from Africa to Australia in a desperate attempt to rescue the population from extinction.
About the artist
From her days of looking after hundreds of stick insects to her incredible artwork that highlights the plight of some of our most wonderful creatures, London based Nathalie Heseltine has always had a love for animals. When she's not creating her masterpieces, you can find her either studying marine conservation or travelling to some far flung country to save marine life.
www.nathalieheseltine.co.uk