261 Rhino killed in the first 10 months of 2010 in South Africa
A shocking new trend is threatening South Africa’s rhinos. Over 260 individual rhinos have been killed thyis year alone, that’s twice the number killed last year. Why? For their horns. Who buys it? The Chinese and Vietnamese.
On sale in China
On sale in Kenya: This advert appeared in the Kenyan Newspapers
We’ve known about the illegal trade in rhino horn for decades, it’s an age old problem driven by customs and strong cultural beliefs. But it’s the WHO is doing it that has changed. Gone are the days of starving men in tatters weilding world war 1 guns to attack rhinos. Todays poachere are smartly dressed, highly educated, professionals ….and they are white.
Two Limpopo veterinarians have been arrested in connection with ‘hundreds’ of rhino poaching incidents
South Africa slaughter aided by insiders
The rhino killing spree in South Africa continues.
Another Rhino killing makes conservation even more important
Rhino horns are hacked off while the animal is still alive!
This form of poaching involving helicopters, dart guns and chainsaws is by far the most inhumane and disturbing emerging threat to rhinos in Africa today.
This turns our concept of poaching on it’s head. Who are these people and why are they doing this? I spoke to wildlife trade espert, Esmond Martins about it. Listen to the podcast and give us your views.
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3 Comments
Hi Paula -
I really enjoyed your interview with Dr. Martin!
- Rhishja Larson
Their is indeed increasing evidence that elements within the safari industry are behind alot of this – some of them are very well known wealthy white people, who operate from Helicoptors etc. Makes the whole thing even more disgusting!!
Unfortuntly until the Chinese et al step up efforts on law enforcement and educating people away from quack medcine this problem will continue to escalate:(
forgetting about the chinese government on wildlife enforcement ; remember tigers? they are serving tiger meat and bones in tiger parks that rear tigers. the government knows; but does nothing!
the myth has to be killed or replaced by knowledge or shame.
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[...] world-renowned expert in ivory and rhino horn trade, Dr. Esmond Martin was interviewed by Wildlife Direct‘s Paula Kahumbu about the rhino slaughter in Southern [...]