Press Release
Cathy Dean
Director
Save the Rhino International
T: 020 7357 7474
F: 020 7357 9666
E: cathy@savetherhino.org
W: www.savetherhino.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
5 September 2011
RHINOCEROS POACHING IN AFRICA REACHES CRISIS POINT
Experts warn of burgeoning wildlife crime levels
Rhino poaching in Africa is reaching epic proportions, with organised poaching gangs threatening
the very fabric of rhino conservation in Africa. Not only do the poachers slaughter rhinos, but they
also regularly fire on the people who try to protect them. We are no longer dealing with individuals
seeking bushmeat but large-scale trafficking of rhino horn. Experts across Africa and the world
agree we need to take action now.
Save the Rhino International, in partnership with International Rhino Foundation, has launched an
appeal, “Operation Stop Poaching Now” in order to raise awareness of the threats facing Africa’s
rhino and to raise much-needed funds to stem the tide of rhino poaching. “We are actively
fundraising for rhino conservation work in the countries that have the largest rhino populations and
have been most hit by the recent surge in poaching - South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya, as well
as preparing Namibia for any increase there”, said Cathy Dean, Director of Save the Rhino
International.
According to the African Rhino Specialist Group, more than 800 rhinos have been lost in the past
three years and there is no sign of the threat abating. In South Africa alone, over 280 rhinos have
been lost this year so far and 333 rhino were poached in 2010, compared with 13 in 2007. This
equates to more than one rhino lost every single day in 2011. Recent thefts at museums across the
UK reflect the perceived rising value of rhino horn.
Biologist, conservationist and Patron of Save the Rhino Mark Carwardine said:
“Just in my lifetime, we have lost so many rhinos that it’s incredible they’re not already extinct.
These rhinos are not killed by hungry people setting snares for bushmeat, but by professional crime
syndicates, using helicopters, tranquilisers and chainsaws. But it is not all bad news. There are
things that we can all do to make a difference and reverse the situation. Save the Rhino is actively
involved in making this happen“.
The rising trade in rhino horn is fuelled by the ever-increasing demands from East Asia, where horn
is traditionally used as a panacea in Chinese medicine. This is despite proof that keratin, the
component of rhino horn and also of our hair and nails, does nothing for an individual’s health
whatsoever. It is at best a placebo, but one which could ultimately mean the eradication of one or
several species. Sugar pill anyone?
Press Release
THE SITUATION
Rhinos once roamed across Africa in their thousands, yet there are now only around 28,000 left
across all five species in Africa and Asia. In Africa, there are two species of rhino, the black and the
white, with the black including several subspecies across Africa. The black rhino population
currently stands at 4,880, whilst the white rhino population has reached an encouraging 20,165
(thought to have recovered from around 50 individuals in the wild in the late 1800s).
Conservationists have worked tirelessly to raise rhino numbers in the last decade, with the result
that black rhino populations rose by 640 over the last three years, and white rhino numbers by
2,665 over the same period.
However, experts at the African Rhino Specialist Group have grave concerns about the rate of
poaching in 2011, despite recent successes. There is particular concern for the black rhino, which
is classed as Critically Endangered, predominantly due to the threat from poaching. Crime
syndicates targeting rhino horn are becoming sophisticated, often with the means to afford
equipment, vehicles and weaponry which the field teams on the ground are not able to match.
Rhino field rangers are risking their lives daily to deal with these criminals, who will shoot on sight.
The rise in poaching levels was first apparent in Zimbabwe but then spread to South Africa and
Kenya. Although it has not yet reached Namibia, there are fears that groups will soon target the
area’s precious black rhinos. Namibia has a third of all black rhinos in Africa. If this population is
lost, it will be catastrophic for the species.
CHINESE MEDICINE
Traditional Chinese Medicine is the main driver of rhino poaching. Rhino horn is used to treat a
wide-ranging list of ailments including fever, epilepsy, jaundice and AIDS, amongst others. It is not
used as an aphrodisiac; this popular misconception had done nothing to encourage doctors of
Chinese medicine to engage with conservationists in the past. We need to understand that it is
traditionally highly valued and to work with practitioners to change the perception that it is medically
useful.
TOURISM
Eco-tourism is still a key area of revenue for African countries, particularly in Kenya and South
Africa. The rhinoceros is one of the big five that draw safari go-ers into the country. They are highly
valuable in monetary terms. For example, in South Africa’s Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park’s rhino auctions
(where animals are auctioned off to private game reserves to raise funds for rhino conservation), a
white or black rhinoceros can raise more than US$70,000. If rhinos are lost from reserves, these
countries will lose much-needed revenue.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Save the Rhino International works to conserve viable populations of critically endangered rhinos in
Africa and Asia. We recognise that the future of wildlife is inextricably linked to the communities that
share its habitat. By funding field projects and through education, our goal is to deliver material,
long-lasting and widespread benefits to rhinos and other endangered species, ecosystems and to
the people living in these areas. To learn more about the crisis in Africa, please visit
www.savetherhino.org
Operation Stop Poaching Now
For further information on the appeal, how people can take part in fundraising and raise awareness
please click here