A number of sources have reported that rhino poaching in the Republic of South Africa has surged. The cause is reported to be Chinese use of the horn in medicines and as an aphrodisiac, despite scientific proof that horn does not contain such medicinal properties. Scientifically, horn is no more than keratin, which is the protein found in hair and nails. There is no evidence that biting one’s nails improves one’s sexual capacity. Then again, why are there very many nail salons? Ha.

Last year 120 rhino were poached. So far this year, 124 have already been poached for a total of 244 in one and one-half years. This is more than the whole decade before 2009. For instance, only 10 were poached in 2008.

The South African authorities are not idle as they have already made 42 arrests this year. Unfortunately, some of those reported arrests include professional hunters. The poaching is also occurring on private lands by sophisticated means such as helicopters and soundlessly with crossbows. It is crucial that private landholders not lose their incentive to maintain their populations due to the heightened risks. – John J. Jackson, III.

Reprinted with permission from The Conservation Force Bulletin, produced by John J. Jackson, III of Conservation Force and published by The Hunting Report.

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