Available information indicates that the black rhinoceros was formerly distributed from the Kunene River south to the Orange River, along the escarpment and eastwards past Gobabis. At present its distribution is limited to the northwestern corner of South West Africa. Apparently the black rhinoceros population never reached very high numbers in South West Africa. During 1966 there were only 90 animals left in the territory. Keywords: Rhino engravings, Census, Rhino remains, Kaokoveld, Etosha National Park, Perennial waterholes, Arid parts, Expedition 1761, Leber River, Hottentots, Bushmen paintings, Rhino populations, Natural vegetation.