Workers transport a black rhino as part of a WWF relocation project to protect the critically endangered species in South Africa, media reported Wednesday. Photo: IC

A black rhino believed to be the oldest in the world has died in Tanzania at the age of 57, according to authorities in Ngorongoro where the animal was living.

The female rhino, named Fausta, died of what is believed to be natural causes on December 27 in a sanctuary, after living most of her life in the wild, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority said in a statement on Saturday.

"Records show that Fausta lived longer than any rhino in the world and survived in the Ngorongoro, free-ranging, for more than 54 years" before she was moved to a sanctuary in 2016, said the statement.

"Her health began to deteriorate in 2016, after several attacks from hyena and severe wounds thereafter," it added.

AFP