At this rate, it will surpass the 333 killed in 2010. The rhino is only killed for its horn, much sought after in China, Taiwan, Vietnam and Malaysia where it is used for traditional medicinal purposes.
It is believed that the demand has spiked in the past three years after claims that rhino horn can cure cancer. Extensive studies have shown that rhino horn has no real medicinal value. It has long been thought that rhino horn is made up of compact matted hair, but more recent scientific research has confirmed that rhino horn consists largely of keratin, the same protein found in our finger nails and hair. The horn grows approximately 12cm per year and an average horn can weight up to 6kg.
Poaching has become more and more sophisticated over the years and is now led by well-organized professional syndicates – using helicopters, microlights, night vision equipment, veterinary tranquillizers and gun silencers. Common practice in recent years is to dart the rhino with tranquillizers, hack off the horn and leave the animal to die. There have been a number of instances this year where animals have regained consciousness in what one can only imagine to be the most indescribable agony and distress.
During a recent tour to New Zealand and Australia, CEO of Environment Africa Charlene Hewat said the demand for rhino horn had reached such new heights that she wouldn’t be surprised to hear of rhino horn being stolen from museums and universities. Ironically, such incidents did take place during this time with two horns being stolen from the Natural History Museum in Hertfordshire in the UK. What the thieves did not know is that in response to a recent spate of break-ins at such institutions across Europe, the horns had been replaced with synthetic replicas.
On a more positive note, the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine in the UK has publicly condemned the continued use of rhino horn. In a statement it says
‘the RCHM strongly condemns the illegal trade in endangered species and has a strict policy prohibiting the use of any type of endangered species by any of our members.’ It is through education and information campaigns that we have to get the message through – Rhino horn has no medicinal value.
Environment Africa, is an African organization committed to Conservation and Communities and has launched a fundraising initiative where supporters are encouraged to sponsor a Rhino Acre. This can be done directly on the website through paypal: www.environmentafrica.org
Post published in: Environment