It was but a matter of time before I brought up something involving one of the BIG 5, and though the whole world is aware that the African Rhinoceros is a protected species, and conservation and international support for their developing numbers has, in the past, been overwhelming, a new (yet old) threat has reared it's ugly head.
Between the years of 1995 and 2007 Rhino and Elephant conservation was among some of the most reported and investigated in the world, in their entire history having numbers drop as low as just a few hundred animals in the wilds of Africa. The evidence of breeding programs and re-introduction over the past fifteen years is evident, as numbers are estimated to be closer to ten times that in a more recent species census, though these aren't the only numbers being monitored. In 2007, African reserves reported an all time low, and a near eradication of poaching, with only 13 deaths recorded through the whole year by poachers, eager to gain a pay check, of what is estimated around $35000 per kilo of horn. This news seems to have made everyone relax, and no sooner had this happened that a new style of evil reared it's ugly head.
The Rhino horn is strongly sought after in the orient, most particular China, for it's 'imaginary' qualities in healing cancer and various other terminal illnesses. Absolutely no scientific evidence supports the claims, yet the black market for medicine in the Asian continent is overwhelming, and where there is demand, there is money, and a lot of it. The new threat Rhinos are under is the same as before, but on a whole new level. Supplied with state of the art weaponry, helicopters, night-vision and more, the stealth and efficiency of the latest wave of poachers is worse than ever. 2010 alone record a record 333 deaths of Rhino due to poaching, with an estimated potential trade value of over $150 million. Investigative research has shown the street value of Rhino horn is around $35,000 per kilo, making it more expensive than gold! Already this year some 265 Rhinos have been slaughtered for their horns, making it, to date, the worst year on record, and set to exceed last year's devastating death toll.
So what is being done about it? Well for starters the world governments ARE taking action, and the lucrative black market was top of the list at the recent Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species in Geneva last week, where a lot of plans have been outlined on ways in which certain measures may be taken in to consideration, to prevent the decline of the species through poaching. But there is still a lot more that WE need to do. The main issue, as with any conservation effort, is budget and facilitating the work force, that is required to ensure there is suitable protection and equipment in place to prevent the continuation of the poachers. It is not uncommon for wardens and rangers to come in to regular gun battles with gangs of poachers, whilst being caught in the act, and it is the commitment and dedication of these life-risking protectors that we need to offer our assistance.
We need to continue to keep the world in the light of the problem, this isn't going away soon, and appears to actually be getting worse. If the trend were to continue, we would more than likely be recognising a similar Rhino crisis to the 19th century, where numbers were as low as a few hundred, should the support not arise. So spread the word, and keep public awareness at a maximum to help protect Earth's Rhinos.
Another way to help, and this is of course as important as ever, is through donation. A number of the main animal conservation charities have specific funds geared towards the protection of African Rhinos, and also there are specific Rhino funds and charities set up around the world. I have listed a few of the main ones below so you may make a donation should you wish. Also, if you are involved with other international, or African based, organisations, get in touch with them and see if they have a specific fund in place for this cause. Let's not let the Rhino out of sight, because out of sight is out of mind.
"There is no room for complacency on this issue. We believe the situation is still very alarming and we see it escalating. We do recognise there may have been an apparent slowdown of late but poaching pressure is still up. The demand is still strong across the world and the value of rhino horn is still rising."
-Dr Joseph Okori, Africa rhino programme manager at the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
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