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In 2010, WWF-South Africa founded the World Rhino Day. The annual event has become an important day to bring attention to the endangered animal. All five species of rhinos are threatened by poaching and the black market, particularly the Vietnamese rhino horn trade. Three of the species are critically endangered.Today, there are only about 26,000 rhinos left in Africa and 83% of them reside in South Africa. Lately, the nation has been dealing with severe poaching.
Poaching is increasing at intense levels
The South African poaching rates are rising at an alarming rate. In 2006, only 10 rhinos were killed by poaching. But in 2013, a disturbing 1,004 rhinos were killed. The death rate increased by a hundredfold. And this year, 769 rhinos have already been killed.
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The conservation is being threatened
The white rhino was nearly extinct about 50 years ago. South Africa’s conservation record saved the endangered animal. The nation has been sticking to its plans and populations of Africa’s black rhino and white rhino species have steadily increased between 1991 and 2007. The poaching rates decreased when China banned rhino horns from traditional medicine and Yemen banned the horns for ceremonial dagger handles. But now, the conservation record is being threatened by the rapid increase in poaching, largely due to the Vietnamese market.
Steps are being taken
The country is cracking down hard on the crime; in 2011 over 200 poachers were arrested. There are also rangers that patrol national parks and protect the animals from hunters and poachers. But the sharp increase in demand is difficult to combat. Expert poachers know how to take the horns off quickly while limiting the sounds of the kills.
Why is rhino horn so valued?
There is a rumor around Vietnam that rhino horn cures cancer, so the demand has dramatically increased. In South Africa, many Vietnamese nationals and even diplomats were implicated in plots to smuggle horns out of the country. There is also a legal trade, since horns can legally be exported as trophies. There are some who argue that rhinos should be farmed for their horns – a horn cut three inches from the base will grow back in two years. But conservationists believe that this will not cut down on poaching, as it will always be the cheapest option for a short term profit.
SEE ALSO: A Female South African Anti Poaching-Unit Wins A Big Award From The U.N.
