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Questions and Answers
What is the main reason behind the demand for rhino horn in Asia?
What is the current population of rhino in South Africa?
What is the current fate of the three Asiatic rhino species?
What is the recommended approach to prevent illegal trading of rhino horn according to the EMS Foundation?
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Why are rhino horns regularly harvested and stored?
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What is the purpose of removing a rhino's horn under anaesthesia?
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What is the main reason for stockpiling rhino horn according to the content?
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What has been found in seizures of illegal rhino horn shipments?
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What is the proposed solution to the rhino horn stockpile problem?
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What is the key to saving the rhino according to the content?
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What is the main reason why the South African government lobbied for a lifting of the international ban on trade in rhino horn?
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What is the proposed consequence of destroying rhino horn stockpiles?
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What is the estimated value of rhino horn on the black market?
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What is the purpose of microchipping each rhino horn removed from rhino?
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What is the pro-trade side's argument for a legal international trade in rhino horn?
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Study Notes
Rhino Horn Stockpile in South Africa
- South Africa has a 70,000kg rhino horn stockpile, which should be burnt to prevent illegal trading.
- The global ban on international buying and selling of rhino horn has been in place since 1977.
Rhino Horn Trade
- Rhino horn is not biochemically special, but it's in high demand in Asia, particularly in China and Vietnam.
- Rhino horn is used as a status symbol, in traditional Chinese medicine, and as an aphrodisiac.
- Rhino are poached for their horns, which are then illegally traded.
Rhino Poaching
- South Africa has fewer than 23,000 rhinos left, down from a historical population of 500,000.
- In 2023, 449 rhinos were lost to poaching.
- Rhino can be protected against poaching by guarding or monitoring, moving to low-risk areas, or de-horning under anaesthesia.
Rhino Horn Stockpile Problem
- The stockpile is supposed to be stored securely, but it's been stolen from and diverted into the illegal global wildlife trade.
- Rhino horn from South African stockpiles has been found in illegal shipments.
- The EMS report argues that the stockpiles contribute to creating a demand for more accessible rhino horn.
Solution to the Rhino Horn Stockpile Problem
- Destroying the stockpile would signal a commitment to no-trade and symbolize the worthlessness of rhino horn as a commodity.
- Demand reduction through education and behavior change campaigns could undermine the market demand and remove the incentive for poaching.
- The best way forward for rhino conservation may be to hold symbolic funeral pyres of burning rhino horn.
Rhino Horn Stockpile in South Africa
- South Africa has a 70,000kg rhino horn stockpile, which should be burnt to prevent illegal trading.
- The global ban on international buying and selling of rhino horn has been in place since 1977.
Rhino Horn Trade
- Rhino horn is not biochemically special, but it's in high demand in Asia, particularly in China and Vietnam.
- Rhino horn is used as a status symbol, in traditional Chinese medicine, and as an aphrodisiac.
- Rhino are poached for their horns, which are then illegally traded.
Rhino Poaching
- South Africa has fewer than 23,000 rhinos left, down from a historical population of 500,000.
- In 2023, 449 rhinos were lost to poaching.
- Rhino can be protected against poaching by guarding or monitoring, moving to low-risk areas, or de-horning under anaesthesia.
Rhino Horn Stockpile Problem
- The stockpile is supposed to be stored securely, but it's been stolen from and diverted into the illegal global wildlife trade.
- Rhino horn from South African stockpiles has been found in illegal shipments.
- The EMS report argues that the stockpiles contribute to creating a demand for more accessible rhino horn.
Solution to the Rhino Horn Stockpile Problem
- Destroying the stockpile would signal a commitment to no-trade and symbolize the worthlessness of rhino horn as a commodity.
- Demand reduction through education and behavior change campaigns could undermine the market demand and remove the incentive for poaching.
- The best way forward for rhino conservation may be to hold symbolic funeral pyres of burning rhino horn.
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Description
The South African government and private rhino reserves continue to stockpile rhino horn despite a global ban. A new report advocates for burning the 70,000kg stockpile to prevent illegal trading. Learn more about the issue.
