Vietnam is one of the world’s largest consumers of rhino horn
, contributing to the continued poaching of rhinos in the wild. Last year in Africa 1,100 rhinos were killed by poachers. And today there are only about 29,500 left in the world.
Can I sell a rhino horn?
Trade in rhino horn is illegal in most countries
, but the black market value of one kilogram is said to be USD 100,000—more than the price of platinum. The astronomical price of rhino horn is driven by demand in Asia that has fuelled the current epidemic of rhino poaching in South Africa.
Where is rhino horn trade most popular?
South Africa
remains the main source country for illegally traded horns. Mozambique is the primary country exporting rhino horn to consumer markets. Viet Nam is now the main consumer country, but there is little law enforcement by its authorities.
What is so valuable about a rhino horn?
Although there is no scientific proof of its medical value, rhino horn remains highly prized in traditional Asian medicine, where
it is ground into a fine powder as treatment for a variety of illnesses such as nosebleeds and fevers
.
What is rhino horn worth on the black market?
Rhino horn can be harvested without having to kill the animal, many farms have stockpiles, and farms want to cash in on their stock. Based on the Asian black market value, rhino horn is estimated to be worth
US$65,000 per kg
.
What is a white rhino horn worth?
The World Animal Foundation said that on average, a rhino horn is worth
$60,000 per pound
in Asia. In other words, a rhino’s horn is more valuable than gold, diamonds and cocaine.
Are rhino horns legal to trade?
International rhino horn trade has been banned since 1977
, which was followed by a decrease in rhino poaching rate at first (Ayling, 2013).
Do you think the trade of rhino horns should be made legal?
Legal trade will encourage biodiversity by creating habitat
. Habitat loss and encroachment are major global issues for biodiversity. This habitat will encourage all rhino owners and communities to create this habitat, leading to healthier ecosystems for many plant and animal species.
Why is rhino horn illegal?
Currently, international trade in rhino horn is banned under CITES,
in response to growing concerns that increasing demand from Asian nations over the last decade has led to a poaching crisis that has decimated many African rhino populations
.
How much are Javan rhino horns worth?
Rhino horns are highly prized, estimated to fetch
up to $60,000 per kilo
on the black market – more than the price of gold or cocaine.
Can a rhino live without its horn?
And,
once hornless, rhinos can’t use it for everyday activities
, such as defending their territories, guiding calves and digging for water. But it’s still a useful deterrent that could save rhino lives.
Is rhino horn illegal in China?
China’s Legalization of Domestic Rhino Horn Trade: Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner Perspectives and the Likelihood of Prescription. Despite the
international ban on the trade of rhino horn that has been in place since 1977
, persistent demand for horn in Asia has driven a spike in poaching over the past decade …
Does rhino horn actually cure anything?
Rhino horn is made from keratin—a protein found in fingernails and hair—and the product is falsely said to help treat everything from cancer to gout when consumed in its powder form.
There are no proven medicinal benefits in humans from either product
.
How heavy is a rhino horn in pounds?
Horns of the African rhino weigh on average 1.5-3.0 kilograms (
3.3-6.6 pounds
), with white rhino having the heaviest front horn which on average weighs 4.0 kilograms (8.8 pounds).
Are rhino horns ivory?
Are rhino horns made of ivory?
No, rhino horns are made of keratin
—the same substance found in human hair and nails. Although they are not ivory, rhinos are still poached for their horns.
Who buys rhino ivory?
–
41% of those who admitted to buying or consuming rhino horn were buyers only
. The majority of these buyers acquire rhino horn for their family, including parents or spouse. – 39% of those who admitted to buying or consuming rhino horn were consumers only.
How can you tell a real rhino horn?
When examining the base of the horn, one should pay attention to the shape. In many instances fake Rhino horn would have a more flat shape surface, whereas
a deep concave profile is noticeable in a real Rhino horn
.
How many rhino are left in the world?
By 1970, rhino numbers dropped to 70,000, and today,
around 27,000
rhinos remain in the wild. Very few rhinos survive outside national parks and reserves due to persistent poaching and habitat loss over many decades. Three species of rhino—black, Javan, and Sumatran—are critically endangered.
How much does a live rhino cost?
These days everyone seems to be putting a price on a rhino. In South Africa, which has 25,000 remaining black and white rhinos, the “sale value of a single living rhino” is about
350,000 Rand, or a bit more than $29,000
. This number comes from the Endangered Wildlife Trust, a South African environmental organization.
Is selling rhino horn legal in South Africa?
South Africa’s highest court has overturned a national ban on domestic sales of rhinoceros horns.
When were rhino horns banned?
The international trade in rhino horn, regulated by the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES), has been banned since
1977
.
