Imagine Africa without it's horn!

Rhino poaching hits record numbers in South Africa - CNN

(CNN) -- A record number of rhinos have been killed this year in South Africa, fueled by the belief that their horns can cure cancer.An unsubstantiated belief on their healing powers is spreading in southeast Asia, sending clients paying top dollar for traditional cures, officials said.So far, 455 African rhinos have been killed this year, according to government officials. A total of 448 rhinos were killed last year.

"It is critical for the South African government to engage with consumer countries and to fight against international syndicates involved in illegal rhino horn trade," said Dr. Jo Shaw, rhino coordinator for the WWF in South Africa.

Poaching on the rise in Africa

The war against rhino poaching

One of the nations linked to the trade is Vietnam and a collaboration action between the two against illegal rhino horn trade remains unsigned, according to Shaw."There is also an urgent need for law enforcement actions by neighboring countries implicated as transit routes for illegal trade in rhino horn," the coordinator said.Conservation group Save the Rhino estimates that there are 25,000 rhinos in Africa. Of those, about 21,000 live in South Africa, the group says."Rhino numbers continue to grow in South Africa as more rhinos are being born than are dying, even when poaching mortalities are taken into account," Shaw said. "However, we are approaching the critical tipping point where rhino numbers go into decline and would undermine conservation efforts."South African officials say they have arrested nearly 200 people linked to the trade, including about 20 who allegedly serve as couriers.

Source:
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/10/17/world/africa/south-africa-rhino-killings/index.html?iref=allsearch

If you feel as strongly as me about the senseless killing of animals who do not deserve this, kindly donate some spare cents for the Endangered Wildlife Trust, a non-profit organization working towards saving the rhinos. Every bit helps! Thanks in advance.

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Let's stop rhino poaching!

Since the start of the poaching epidemic in 2008, South Africa has lost well over 1,200 rhinos - a figure that, despite so much effort, increases daily. Few people realize the challenges facing those on the frontlines. There are thousands of kilometers to patrol with little to no idea of where the poachers plan to hit next. Rhinos are killed, or left for dead simply for their horns. Demand is being driven by a market in Asia which believes powdered rhino horn can cure ailments including cancers - despite no scientific evidence to back this up. Reuters reported in August of 2012 'almost two rhinos are being poached each day in South Africa to meet surging Asian demand for their horns which are now worth more than their weight in gold'.

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