Hunted mainly for their horns, rhino poaching has resumed in South Africa’s reserves and national parks. An alarming phenomenon that endangers one of the most important species of wildlife. On 07 February 2022, according to a statement by the South African Department of the Environment, 451 rhinos were recently killed during the year 2021.
The rhinoceros is a perissodactyl mammal belonging to the family Rhinocerotidae. Both whites and blacks are mainly found in South Africa, Namibia, Kenya and Zimbabwe. They weigh up to three tonnes and are currently the largest mammals on earth after the elephant. In South Africa, home to more than 80% of the world’s rhinos, poaching has returned with a vengeance. Of a total of 451 rhinos killed in 2021, 327 were in national parks and 124 in private game reserves. In previous years, rhino hunting had declined in national parks, especially in the large Kruger Park in the north-east of the country. But it has risen sharply in the country’s private reserves. This is due to the intensification of the fight against poaching in national parks, which has caused criminals to migrate to private reserves.
Why hunt rhinos?
Pointing to the sky, the horn of the rhinoceros is a symbol of strength and power. The animal always uses it for defence and protection. Currently on the black market, rhino horns are more expensive than gold. And even better, the price keeps going up to $60,000 per kg…. Thus, this specimen is a composition of agglomerated keratin, protein present in animal and human nails and some amino acids and minerals, phosphorus and calcium.
Highly prized in East Asian countries such as China, Vietnam, etc., rhinoceros horn is used in traditional Asian medicine as a remedy for fever and cardiovascular diseases. Recently, it has been found to be a remedy for cancer treatments or an aphrodisiac. This explains the high demand, generally for Asian destinations.
However, the NGO WWF (World Wildlife Fund) has denied the therapeutic virtues of rhino horn. “The WWF study finds no evidence that rhino horn has any medical effect as an antipyretic to reduce fever, a widespread use in Asia. Horn is like fingernails, in that it is clumped hair, and has no analgesic, anti-inflammatory or anti-spasmolytic properties. Indeed, there is no scientific confirmation of such therapeutic virtues according to the NGO.
Perspectives of preservation
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has banned the trade in rhino horn since 1977. But it should also be noted that the protection of these animals on the ranches costs the farmers millions of euros because it takes a lot of resources to fight poachers effectively. South African governments need to put in place a supportive policy to assist farmers in this struggle. Then, it will also be good to multiply awareness campaigns in order to explain to the population the need to conserve these endangered species. Similarly, the carrying of weapons should be restricted and, if necessary, checks before entering parks and zoos should be stepped up.
In the meantime, scientists are trying to save the white rhinos in Kenya by collecting ten new oocytes from the last remaining females. This is in the hope of ensuring the sustainability of the species. In addition, the other solution contested by some is the careful cutting of the rhino’s horn so that it is no longer a target for poachers. Because it grows back completely between about 12 and 18 months. It is important for people to understand that rhinos, like people, have an important place in the balance of the ecosystem.
