When we say or see a Rhinoceros, most of us are not able to name the subspecies'. Over here, we will be giving the spotlight to the Northern White Rhinoceros, a critically endangered subspecies and potentially extinct as stated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
HOW MANY OF THEM ARE LEFT? Sadly, due to the rampant poaching that has taken place for their horn, only 2 of them are remaining. And to make matters worse, both of them are females which throws the future of these white rhinos harshly uncertain. WHERE ARE THEY? They live in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya and are protected round-the-clock by armed guards. WHY WAS THIS PARTICULAR SUBSPECIES' TARGETED AT A LARGE SCALE? Today, poaching for their horn is the main threat. The white rhino is particularly vulnerable to poaching because it is relatively unaggressive and live in herds. THE BIGGEST MARKET FOR RHINO HORN TRADE - Rhino horn is typically used in Traditional Chinese Medicine but it is also used as a status symbol to display success and wealth. WHAT IS THE PRICE FOR RHINO HORN? Based on the value of the Asian black market, rhino horn can fetch up to $65,000 per kilo. EXAMPLE OF AN INCIDENT OF RHINO HORN TRADE? A few years ago, Vietnam got hold of 125 kg of smuggled rhino horns worth $7.5 million along with seven tiger carcasses. WHAT IS CHINA'S ROLE IN RHINO CONSERVATION? China banned domestic trade of rhino horn in 1993 and this ban has been critical in conserving these iconic species. HAS CHINA REVERSED THE LAW? The announcement of a resumption of a legal market is a stab in the back of the various of organizations which have drained wealth and manpower to fight the rampant poaching. The newly announced legalization means that rhino horn will be allowed to be used in hospitals if the animals have been bred in captivity. The new regulation will also permit the trade of rhino horn products. This decision seems to contradict the leadership that China has shown recently in tackling the illegal wildlife trade, including the closure of their domestic ivory market, a game changer for elephants popularly welcomed by the global community. Legalizing this trade could provide a cover for the illegal trade in rhino horn, as well as possibly stimulating a disturbing increase in the demand that had otherwise declined since the ban was put in place. Even if restricted to antiques and hospitals, this trade would increase confusion by consumers and law enforcers as to which products are and are illegal, and would likely expand the markets for other rhino products.
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