The Truth Behind Tradition

The Rhinoceros (rhino) — a critically endangered species — once roamed the Earth in multitudes. However, now there are only about 29,000 left (“Rhino”). The greatest threat for rhinos is the illegal trade for their horns that has been soaring in recent years. The tradition involved with rhinos’ horns is the motive behind rhino poaching. However, this issue not only affects rhinos but also humans as anti-poaching teams risk their lives while protecting the rhinos from the poachers.

If the entire rhino species disappear on this planet, the result would be a catastrophe that would threaten not only the African savannas but possibly the whole world. Rhinos are keystone species that once decimated, will cause huge downstream effects in its ecosystem (Sterbenz). In addition to that, rhinos' grazing helps the growth of Africa savannas which act as global “carbon sinks”, storage for carbon dioxide that causes global warming (Sterbenz). If rhinos are extinct, the planet might be affected because of a lack of grasslands.

Tradition plays a driving role in the illegal poaching of rhino horns. Rhino horns have been targeted by humans ever since ancient times (Gettleman). Yemeni used rhino horn as a sign of manhood; Persians thought rhino horn as a poison detector, and the Chinese believed rhino horn as an “irreplaceable pharmaceutical necessity” (“Poaching”). In recent decades, China and Vietnam have continued to believe that rhino horn serves as a component of medicine that can treat hangovers, impotence, fever, and even cancer. They believe that rhino horns can dispel the heat and cool blood which is why they can heal those illnesses (Cheung). However, there is no scientific proof even today (“Africa”). China and Vietnam have become the largest markets that drive the demand for rhino horn and illegal poaching. The peak of rhino poaching is in 2015, which has the death of 1349 rhinos. It has been decreasing since then. Last year, 2019, only 892 rhinos were found (“Numbers”). This statistic shows that conservation pressures taken had been effective. However, the price paid was heavy for anti-poaching efforts.

In recent years, rhino poaching has become an issue with human casualties and sacrifices. For many rangers, the role they play has become extremely stressful and dangerous (O'Grady). Rangers work long hours in horrible conditions in nature in order to prevent poachers from taking their chances. They cannot leave the reserve simply because “What happens if a rhino dies in your absence?”(O'Grady). However, not only does the working condition worsened for the rangers, they face life-threatening threats as they protect rhinos at the front line. Poachers are supplied by international criminal organizations with advanced weapons that are highly destructive (“Poaching”). Their weapons include AK-47s and grenade launchers which can easily kill people (“Africa”). Between 2012 and 2018, 269 rangers were killed across Africa and the majority of them were killed by poachers.

Overall, the belief that rhino horn can treat diseases causes people to illegally hunt for rhinos in Africa. The rangers that are trying to protect rhinos constantly face life-threatening dangers due to destructive technologies. Even though measures had been taken internationally, there are still many cases of rhino poaching. Organizations believe that stopping the demand for rhino horn will stop the illegal poachings, and education is the key. Education will make consumers understand the consequences of their actions and stop them from purchasing products of rhino horns (“Numbers”).

Citations

“Africa's Poaching Crisis.” AWF, campaign.awf.org/poaching-infographic/.

Cheung, Hubert, et al. “Medicinal Use and Legalized Trade of Rhinoceros Horn From the Perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners in Hong Kong - Hubert Cheung, Lorraine Mazerolle, Hugh P. Possingham, Duan Biggs, 2018.” SAGE Journals, m8.

Gettleman, Jeffrey. “Coveting Horns, Ruthless Smugglers' Rings Put Rhinos in the Cross Hairs.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 31 Dec. 2012, www.nytimes.com/2013/01/01/world/africa/ruthless-smuggling-rings-put-rhinos-in-the-cross-hairs.html.

O'Grady, Story by Cathleen. “The Price of Protecting Rhinos.” The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 13 Jan. 2020, www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/01/war-rhino-poaching/604801/.

“Poaching Numbers: Conservation: Save the Rhino International.” Save The Rhino, www.savetherhino.org/rhino-info/poaching-stats/.

“Poaching: Rhino Threats: Save the Rhino International.” Save The Rhino,www.savetherhino.org/rhino-info/threats/poaching-rhino-horn/.

“Rhino.” WWF, World Wildlife Fund, www.worldwildlife.org/species/rhino.

Sterbenz, Christina. “Why The Extinction Of All Rhinos Could Be Catastrophic.” Business Insider, Business Insider, 20 Oct. 2014, www.businessinsider.com/rhino-extinction-could-be-catastrophic-2014-10.