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Rhino Wars
“The rhino poaching trend is extremely worrying. If it is not stopped, the world could lose African rhinos. This is a tragedy we do not want to contemplate.” - Dr Joseph Okori, Head of WWF’s African Rhino Programme South Africa is losing its battle to save the rhino. “Hunted to near extinction in the 19th century before being rescued by conservationists in South Africa in the 1950s, the world’s biggest rhino population is once again under threat. Despite a myriad of efforts to raise money and awareness, the poaching wave that began in 2008 is only getting worse, year after year” (www.panda.org). A total of 1,004 animals were poached in 2013, this represents a 50% increase over the previous 12 months. Campaigners say that a growing demand for rhino horn from markets in Vietnam and China is fuelling the killing, and they are concerned that illegal hunting on this scale threatens the survival of the species. “The White Rhino is one of the world's greatest conservation success stories. At the end of the 19th century there were just 100 alive in South Africa. Today there are around 20,000 according to experts” (www.bbc.uk). “In recent years, the rapid rise of poaching has threatened to undermine the good work. In 2007, only 13 rhinos were killed in South Africa for their horns; in 2013, it was almost three a day. Campaigners say that they are concerned that at this rate, the number of deaths will soon surpass births leading to an inevitable decline. There are a number of factors that are driving the increase in numbers. In Vietnam and China, the horn is believed to have medicinal properties and is also seen as a status symbol. It can sell for up to $65,000 per kilogramme, making it more expensive than gold or cocaine. Much of the killing takes place in South Africa's Kruger National Park, which borders Mozambique. This impoverished nation is believed to be an operational base for the organised criminal gangs who poach and distribute the horn to Asia. Despite the police and military resources that South Africa has applied to the problem, the killing has increased. Another factor that has exacerbated the killing in recent years is the granting of sporting licences for the export of rhino horns. The system was widely abused with many people travelling from Asia to acquire the horns and selling them on their return. Last year, the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites) attempted to curtail the trade by demanding action from Vietnam and Mozambique. The Vietnamese are due to report by the end of this month on their efforts to improve arrests, prosecutions and seizures. Mozambique has been asked to significantly increase penalties for dealing in rhino parts. In February, the UK will host a high profile summit to try and tackle the illegal trade in wildlife. The killing in South Africa though shows no signs of slowing down, with 37 rhinos already poached in the first two weeks of this year” (www.bbc.uk). http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-25781746 http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/endangered_species/rhinoceros/african_rhinos/poaching_crisis_african_rhinos/ |
Rhino: Our horns are NOT medicine
“WWF South Africa is concerned and saddened by the continuing rise in rhino poaching, which threatens to undo years of successful conservation effort” – Dr M du Plessis, CEO of WWF-SA During 2012, 668 rhinos were lost due to poaching. The Kruger National Park has the majority of South Africa’s rhinos, and 425 rhinos were killed in the park during 2012. If poaching continues like this, there will be no rhino populations left. Why are rhinos killed? Rhinos are killed for their horns. The horns are seen as desirable in Asia with medicinal properties, an aphrodisiac, and are believed to cure devil possession. Apparently it keeps away evil spirits, removes hallucinations and cures snake poisoning. And people are willing to pay huge amounts for a single horn. This has lead to an increase in criminal groups or organized crime, to supply the demand for the horns. During the 1970’s Hong Kong was the largest importer of rhino horn, but that has since spread to other Asian countries as well. Most notably Vietnam and Taiwan. What should be done? · Worldwide ban on selling/buying of rhino horn. · Making poaching and trading a priority crime. http://www.savetherhino.org http://www.wwf.org.za/?7440/Rhino-poaching-toll-reaches-new-high
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