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.