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When I was is South Africa, rhinoceros were by far the most exciting animal to discover. These massive horned creatures seem as if they belong 230 million years ago when dinosaurs ruled the earth. But the very horns which make them remarkable are what makes them a consistent target by an increasing vicious and shrewd group of poachers. In fact, according to International Union for Conservation of Nature IUCN, the trade is being driven by Asian demand for horns and is made worse by increasingly sophisticated poachers, who now are using veterinary drugs, poison, cross bows and high caliber weapons to kill rhinos.
Unchecked poaching is surging in South Africa and Zimbabwe because medicinal use of rhino horns as an aphrodisiac is on the rise in Vietnam as well as other Southeast Asian countries. It also used for ceremonial daggers in the Middle East. While poaching has increased, prosecutions have deceased leading the problem to spiral out of control. The heart of the problem lies in Zimbabwe where poaching is rampant and prosecutions are currently only at 3 percent. Raoul du Toit of the Lowveld Rhino Trust, put the number of rhino poached in Zimbabwe since 2006 at as high as 250.
Support Rhino Conservation
Supporting the conservation of such beloved species as the rhinoceros means helping out the organizations that do the work for us.
1. Host a Fundraiser for the International Rhino Foundation
You can also help to raise money and awareness by hosting a fundraising event for International Rhino Foundation within your school or community. Get started on your spring cleaning by hosting a garage sale and donating the proceeds towards rhino conservation.
2. Join IUCN and Support the Sir Peter Scott Fund project: Black and White
By becoming a member of IUCN, you can support programs like the Sir Peter Scott Fund project: Black and White Rhinos, Swaziland. This project is installing monitoring and security programs in order to increase the prosecution of poachers in Southern Africa. Without prosecution there is truly no to stop the disgusting practice. Additionally, the project monitors rhino populations.
3. Adopt a Sumatran Rhino through WWF
By far the most endangered of the rhinos is the Sumatran rhino. In fact, only 300 remain in the wild in Borneo and Sumatra. By adopting a rhino, you'll receive a gift pack which includes a stuffed animal, framed certificate, and gift bag and you can donate in increments of $100, $50, or $25.
More on Endangered Species:
The Sixth Extinction is Underway: Are You Worried Yet?
Which 10 Countries Have the Most Endangered Species?
Why Grizzly Bears Need Our Help Now
