About Poaching - IAPF - International Anti Poaching Foundation

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Plight of the Rhino

The resources made available to rhino poachers are similar to that of ivory poachers. Black market crime syndicates order the horn for interested clients and then task a poaching unit to slaughter as many animals as it takes to make up the quota. They operate with modern equipment using ruthless tactics before taking the horn and leaving the carcass to rot. Female rhinos that lose their calves to poachers go through a period of mourning, in which they will frequently return to their dead calf’s carcass. When poaching gangs manage to kill a calf, but not the mother, they exploit this behavior in order to kill the mother too.

Africa’s Situation

The scarcity of rhinos today and the corresponding intermittent availability of rhino horn, only drives the price higher, and intensifies the pressure on the declining rhino populations. The situation for rhino in Southern Africa is particularly bleak with the slaughter now at a 15 year high. The desire for the prized rhino horn has become insatiable in the Far East. In South Africa alone over 300 rhino are being killed each year to supply the superstitious need. In Zimbabwe, statistically the situation is worse with nearly 40% of the National Parks remaining population poachies in 2011.

In the 1960's there were around 100,000 black rhino roaming Africa. Today, numbers are at around 4000 and they are listed on CITES Appendix 1 as critically endangered. If we do not do something today then there is no future for this magnificent creature.

What is Rhino Horn used for?

Rhino horn has been traditionally used to treat a variety of diseases and ailments. A Vietnamese woman who recently claimed to be cured of cancer by taking a potion made from the crushed horn has further added to demands in the region. The makeup of the horn is actually not more than a fingernail with extra calcium and phosphorus – two substances readily available at any butcher.

The next CITES meeting to discuss the international ban on the trade in rhino horn is set for 2013. Discussing the legalisation of this trade will invigorate much needed debate and attention towards the plight of the rhino. Sadly, these are the alternatives we have to look towards these days.

Along with milk, eggs and wool, rhino horn is one of the only products that can be taken off an animal without killing it. Such simple logic must surly spark debate toward the pros and cons of farming rhino to feed an insatiable trade.

Ivory Poaching

Only 1% of the Africal Elephant population remains from 100 years ago. Ivory poaching is no longer an opportunistic crime carried out by individuals. It is now carried out by highly sophisticated, heavily armed units of poachers who are wreaking havoc amongst the elephant and rhino populations of Africa.

Bush meat

Poaching for bush meat has reached unprecedented levels in many areas around the globe. Africa is suffering such substantial losses that many areas once teaming with wildlife, have been completely wiped out. The meat is sold commercially to now bustling urban centers looking for cheaper alternatives, particularly in tight economic times. As the meat has not been farmed it can naturally be sold a much cheaper rate. At the other end of the scale, rare dishes such as gorilla, are sold to upper class customers who make full use of the available luxury.

Medicinal Sources

Across many Asian regions and particularly in India, poaching of the endangered tiger has increased dramatically as the demand increases the price of parts. Everything from bones, fur, paws, whiskers, testicles, penis and eyeballs are used for various Asian medicinal purposes, most predominantly in China. In 1900 there were 100,000 tigers in India, now there is only 2-3% remaining. China now has less than 100 tigers. Some uses for tiger parts in the Far East include; hanging a tigers nose over the marriage bed to increase the chances of having a boy; soaking the penis in alcohol to increase virility, and using the whiskers to cure toothache.

Asia's cutural belief combines with their sky rocketing population numbers paint a very grim picture for wildlife concerned.

Snares

In terms of poaching, snares have become public enemy number one across much of sub Saharan Africa. Criminals indiscriminately lay what essentially becomes a minefield for wildlife.