Saving rhinos – on the horns of a dilemma

by Christine Marot – 22 September 2011

Introduced in 2010 by the World Wildlife Fund, World Rhino Day is dedicated to raising awareness – both nationally and internationally – of the increased prevalence of rhino poaching and the resultant decline in numbers of these endangered mammals.

Rhinos have lived and reproduced on our planet for the past 50-million years, yet there are only about 24 500 remaining. According to official SANParks statistics, 122 were killed in 2009, 333 in 2010 and the number already stands at 287 for this year in South Africa.

The drastic decline in numbers is primarily due to what has been described as “a multimillion-dollar industry based on a myth and operated by organised crime syndicates”. Rhinos are killed for their horns, which fetch a high price in the East, where they are mistakenly believed to possess aphrodisiac properties. In fact, there is nothing mystical about a rhino horn, which is made of keratin, the same substance found in human hair and nails.

Add your voice to the growing chorus of those who are fighting to see the critically endangered rhino take its rightful place for generations to come as a member of the Big Five.

Although the initiative has largely been driven by South Africa, fellow conservationists, the US-based Saving Rhinos, has also joined the call to action.

There are many things you can do to help:

Make a donation to a recognised rhino conservation organisation to boost protection efforts
Report poaching activity
Join the dedicated Facebook page www.facebook.com/worldrhinoday
Spread the word about the rhinos’ plight
Educate others on the facts
Subscribe to RhiNEWS
Support rhino fundraisers
Purchase Save the Rhino merchandise such as arm bands.