The rhinoceros is critically endangered! Approximately 200 years ago, at the turn of the 19th century, there were an estimated one million rhinos. By 1970, the count was about 70,000. Today, there are fewer than 24,000 remaining in the wild. If there is no change in our appreciation of this magnificent animal – if we do not take action to stop poaching and support the protection of our rhinos – the five surviving species (white rhino, black rhino, Indian rhino, Sumatran rhino and Javan rhino) will become extinct in the wild in our lifetime.

Fortunately there are organisations like Save the Rhino and awareness-raising efforts like the one I am leading now working hard to draw the crisis to the attention of more people.

Deadly Myths

In Southeast and East Asia, superstitions about rhinoceros horn have people believing it to be a ‘remedy’ for various ailments, such as fever and pain. There is, however, no scientific evidence supporting this. Rhino horn has absolutely no medicinal effects on humans.

And yet cultural myths surrounding rhino horn persist and are why rhinos are slaughtered illegally. These deadly myths are why wild rhinoceros populations in Africa and Asia are at risk of extinction. The high and unrelenting demand for rhino horn has pushed its price to US$59,000 per kilogram, making it far more expensive than even gold.

Dwindling Numbers

2010 was a very bad year for poaching in South Africa, which is home to 90% of the world’s wild rhino population. Figures released by WWF (the world’s leading conservation organisation) that the number of rhinos shot dead in South Africa increased by 173% in 2010, a 15-year high across the continent. At a time when the rhinoceros is need of protection, South Africa is losing more than 20 per month. Conservationists warn that, at the present rate, the number of killings will outstrip new births.

It is not just the African rhinoceros populations that are suffering. Listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as critically endangered, the Sumatran Rhino faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the immediate future; it may not live to see the end of the next decade.

Big 4 Safaris in 2035?

Right now, a lucky few of us are able to travel to Africa and Asia to see rhinoceros in the wild. But in 2035, will our grown children and grandchildren still see wild rhinos? Will the Big Five have been reduced to a Big Four?

I am trying to make a difference and make people aware of the terrible plight of the world’s rhino population. The Facebook page – Save the Rhino, see my Horn is a great place to show your support. All I ask is that you please just spread the word and ask your friends and family to please ‘like’ this Facebook page. By showing your support, the more people we can get on board, the more pressure we can put on governments to do all they can to STOP this. To stop it today, before it is too late.

Tags:

This entry was posted on Monday, January 31st, 2011 at 10:00 am and is filed under the following categories: