Protect Our Rhinos

Rhino Poaching is a serious issue in South Africa, particularly in Kruger National Park. The Rhino population is decreasing at a dramatic rate and something needs to be done. Although serious measures have been put in place to try and curb poaching, we need to do more.

A few things that could be done are:

1. Legalizing the production and farming of rhino horns in a sustainable fashion. This would flood the market which should bring the price down.
2. We could start relocating rhinos to places like America or Australia, these countries also have stricter laws and punishments for poaching
3. Spreading propaganda throughout Asia to prevent the appeal and lack of knowledge that exists.

In 2017 there was an estimated 1,028 rhinos killed. I believe that the only way to prevent rhino poaching is to stop the demand. The majority of demand comes from Asia. The governments in Asia need to do a better job of educating their people. Although education could help, many people choose not to listen to science and instead base their false beliefs on pseudoscience. Rhino horns do not cure cancer, they never have or will. It is an absolute tragedy that this is occurring. I can only hope that with the increase in technology that future generations will have better access to factual information. Rhinos are not the only victims in poaching, it takes an emotional and physical toll on the people who are risking their lives to save these animals. Movies like STROOP really and truly depict the horrors of rhino poaching. It has only been recently that rhino poaching is beginning to show its seriousness and our need to take action. I spent 10 days in Kruger National Park and only saw one group of rhinos. I spoke with quite a few people who have been visiting the park for years, and they cant believe the lack of rhinos that they are seeing. It sounded like rhino populations have depleted dramatically over the last 10 years. Another possible solution would be to build rhino sanctuaries in places like America, this would ensure that there is continued genetic diversity. According to the Reuters this is already being attempted, but could cost millions in transport fees. Programs like these rely heavily on private donations.“Seale is part of an ambitious project organized by animal welfare groups in the United States and African countries to bring hundreds of orphaned baby southern white rhinos to the south Texas grasslands, whose climate and geography are similar to their native South African veld.” Programs like these are crucial to saving the rhinos from extinction and ensuring genetic diversity for the future. Another possible solution is to create rhino farms where the horn can be sawed off without harming the animal. In this way we could increase the supply of rhino horn which would have an affect of decreasing its value. Thus making poaching less lucrative. Not only that but it could add a viable source of tax revenue for local communities and villages that surround the park.