Rhino poaching continues to threaten species extinction

Rhino poaching continues to threaten species extinction despite concerted global efforts to stop it. In the early 1990s, there were about 100,000 rhinos living in the wild, but that number has dwindled to around 30,000 today. Nearly a third of these deaths are attributed to poaching, which is driven by the demand for rhino horns in traditional Asian medicine.

The horns are made of keratin—the same protein that makes up hair and fingernails—and there is no scientific evidence that they have any medicinal value. However, many people believe that the horns can treat fever, rheumatism, and other ailments. As a result, they are willing to pay high prices for them. In fact, Rhino horn is now more valuable than gold or cocaine on the black market.

This illegal trade is having a devastating impact on rhino populations across Africa and Asia. In South Africa alone, 1,215 rhinos were killed by poachers in 2016—an increase of over 20% from the previous year. If this trend continues, Africa's rhino populations could be extinct within 10 years.

Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to stop this from happening. Firstly, we need to increase awareness of the issue among consumers and encourage them to boycott products that contain rhino horn. We also need to strengthen law enforcement efforts and increase penalties for those who engage in poaching activities. Finally, we need to invest in conservation programmes that help protect rhino populations and their habitats.

If we work together we can save the rhinos from extinction and maintain one of earth's most majestic creatures for future generations!

Rhinos on the brink of extinction as poaching persists

The black rhinoceros is under serious threat of extinction as poaching rates continue to increase. According to a census taken in 2018, there are now only 5,500 black rhinos remaining in the wild, down from over 70,000 in the 1970s.

Rhino poaching is driven by the demand for their horns, which are falsely believed to have medicinal properties. As a result, rhinos are being killed at an alarming rate with their horns hacked off their heads while they are still alive.

With numbers declining so rapidly, it is critical that we take action now to protect these animals. One way we can help is by raising awareness of the issue and educating people about the true value of rhino horn. We can also support organizations that are working to protect rhinos, and lobby our governments to do more to crack down on poaching.

It is heartbreaking to see such a majestic creature on the brink of extinction, but we must not give up hope. We can make a difference if we all work together to save the black rhino.

Rhino horn trade fuels illegal poaching

Rhino horn is a highly coveted product in parts of Asia due to its purported medicinal properties, and this has led to a steep increase in illegal poaching activity. In South Africa alone, 1,215 rhinos were killed for their horns in 2017, and this number is on the rise.

The black market value of rhino horn has skyrocketed in recent years, with a kilogram fetching as much as $60,000. This high price point has made Rhino horn a target for criminal gangs and poaching syndicates, which often engage in brutal and bloody tactics to extract the horns from live animals.

In some cases, poachers will simply shoot the animals dead and cut off the horns, but in other instances they will hack the rhinos' horns off while they are still alive. This barbaric practice is known as "horning", and it often leads to the death of the animal.

As well as being horrifically cruel, poaching also threatens the survival of rhinos species as a whole. If current trends continue, experts warn that rhinos could become extinct within the next decade.

So what can be done to halt this senseless slaughter? There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but increasing law enforcement efforts and clamping down on illegal trade are essential steps.

Governments and conservation groups must also work to raise awareness about the plight of rhinos and educate people about the impact of poaching. Ultimately, we need to change consumer demand for rhino horn if we want to put an end to this devastating practice.

Huge increase in rhino poaching in Africa

The rhinoceros is one of the largest land animals on the planet. There are two species of rhino, the black and white rhinoceroses. They are native to Africa and parts of Asia. Rhinos are hunted for their horns, which are used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Huge increase in poaching of rhinos has been reported in recent years. The number of rhinos killed by poachers doubled from 2011 to 2012. In 2013, 1,004 rhinos were killed by poachers, more than three times the number killed in 2011.

Most poaching takes place in South Africa, home to 80% of the world's rhinos. In 2013, 668 rhinos were killed in South Africa, compared to 448 in 2012. The poaching is being driven by demand from China and Vietnam, where the horns are ground into a powder and used as a cancer treatment and aphrodisiac.

Rhino horn is composed of keratin, the same substance that makes up hair and nails. It is not an effective treatment for cancer or any other medical condition. Rhino horn is also not an aphrodisiac.

Poachers use a variety of methods to kill rhinos, including gunshots, arrows, and tranquilizers. Some poachers even use helicopters to track down rhinos.

The high price of rhino horn has led to increased poaching across Africa. Poachers often kill other animals such as lions and elephants to get at their horns. The rampant poaching is having a devastating effect on African wildlife populations.

What can be done to stop the poaching? One approach is to increase security at wildlife parks and reserves. Anti-poaching patrols need more resources to combat the well-funded criminal networks behind the poaching operation

Rhinos poached at alarming rate in South Africa

Since 2010, poaching of rhinos in South Africa has increased dramatically. In fact, poaching has increased so much that it now threatens the very existence of these animals.

In 2010, there were 333 cases of rhino poaching in South Africa. In 2011, this number rose to 448 cases. And in 2012, it spiked to 1,004 cases! This is a 300% increase in just two years.

What's even more alarming is that 2013 is on track to exceed 1,200 cases of rhino poaching. This means that we could lose up to 20% of our rhino population this year alone.

So why are poachers targeting rhinos?

Rhinos are killed for their horns, which are believed to have medicinal properties in some cultures. As a result, horns can sell for up to $60,000 per kilogram on the black market. This makes them more valuable than gold or cocaine!

As a result of the high value of their horns, poachers are going to extreme lengths to kill rhinos. They're using guns, helicopters and even tranquilizer darts to bring down these animals.

What can be done to stop the poaching of rhinos?

There are several things that can be done to halt the poaching of rhinos:

1) Increase law enforcement efforts: The government needs to step up its law enforcement efforts and crack down on those involved in poaching activities. This includes deploying more police officers and prosecutors, and increasing penalties for those convicted of poaching.

2) Create awareness and education programs: The general public needs to be made aware of the seriousness of the poaching crisis and the impact it is having on rhino populations. Additionally, children need to be taught about the importance of conservation and how they can help protect rhinos and other endangered species.

3) Encourage sustainable use of horn: There needs to be a shift towards sustainable use of horn instead of killing rhinos for their horns. This could involve developing alternative uses for horn or creating incentives for people to conserve rhinos.