Rhinos Increasingly Threatened By Poachers

According to the latest data from international researchers, the number of rhinos slaughtered has increased for the sixth consecutive year. It is estimated that poachers killed 1,338 rhinos for their horns in Africa during 2015. That number represents the largest loss of rhinos during a single year since a wave of poaching began recently. An estimated 5,940 rhinos have been poached since 2008, with scientists worrying that the actual number could be much higher.

Losses continue to rise

The research was undertaken by the International Union Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Despite more robust anti-poaching techniques such as strengthening patrols, making use of satellite technology and improving intelligence gathering, losses continue to occur. According to the IUCN increasing demand from South East Asia is responsible for the rise in number of rhino deaths. In that part of the world it is wrongly believed that the rhino horn has medicinal properties.

Nowhere is safe

Despite all the bad news there are some bright spots. For example in South Africa, the rate of increase in rhino poaching has slightly fallen. South Africa is home to the largest population of rhinos and last year the number of rhinos killed in the country fell for the first time since 2008.

Some bright spots

Dr. Richard Emslie of the IUCN says it is always alarming whenever there is an increase in rhino poaching, however there are some positives. When poaching first began to escalate in 2008 there was continuous exponential growth in poaching year after year. However over the last couple of years the rate of increase has fallen. Dr. Emslie noted success in South Africa, however improvement in one part of the country has also been followed by sharp increases in losses in other countries. For example over the last two years, the number rhinos killed in Namibia quadrupled whilst losses in Zimbabwe doubled during the same period.

They could be gone for good

Craig Bruce, a rhino specialist with the Zoological Society of London says the situation is dire and despite moderate success in the Kruger National Park, there is no reason to celebrate. Mr. Bruce reckons that if the situation continues at the same rate of loss, then within five to ten years there will be no more rhinos left in the wild and all that will be left is rhinos in very controlled captivity scenarios.