A Texan who bid $350,000 to hunt a black rhinoceros in Africa in what was billed as a conservation fundraiser has killed one of the endangered animals, a Dallas Safari Club official has said.

Corey Knowlton, of Dallas, shot a black rhino in Namibia this week, according to Ben Carter, executive director of the Dallas Safari Club. Mr Knowlton was the top bidder in the club's January 2014 auction.

The funds go to the Namibia Ministry of Environment and Tourism, which issued the permit as part of efforts to cull the herd, Mr Carter said.

Opponents criticised plans to kill an endangered animal. Federal officials received thousands of letters opposing Mr Knowlton being allowed to import the trophy.

Mr Knowlton shot a mature black rhino bull, considered detrimental to the herd, Mr Carter said. Older bulls, when no longer breeding, can threaten other rhinos, Mr Carter added.

"They are very territorial and if another rhino comes into their territory, they will often kill it," he said.

Mr Knowlton had a list of about 15 black rhinos considered detrimental to the population. He hunted for about five days before killing one, Mr Carter said.

Mr Knowlton was not available for comment.

The club has no immediate plans for another similar auction, Mr Carter said.