Giving Rhinos a Safe Home
Demand for rhino horn has taken a huge toll on Africa’s rhinos. Despite conservation efforts, including outlawing the import of rhino horn, in the mid-1980s, rhinos stood at the brink of extinction. In 1986, AWF helped stem this dramatic decline by pioneering the construction of fenced-in rhino reserves and protected zones.
Fencing Them In – A Last Resort
In attempts to protect rhinos in the least obtrusive way, for years AWF and other conservation organizations supported anti-poaching efforts and banning trade in rhino horns. But, because the value of rhinos is so great, more drastic measures were necessary. That’s why AWF helped pioneer fenced-in sanctuaries such as Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary in Tsavo East National Park in Kenya.
From the initial construction, AWF worked to assure that the sanctuary had what it needed to succeed, including funding, and key equipment such as a vehicle, radio sets, binoculars, etc. In addition, AWF helped create housing for sanctuary staff and rangers.
The Value is in Its Horns
Of all of Africa’s endangered species, the black rhino is unique because almost 100 percent of its decline can be attributed not to habitat loss, or human-wildlife conflict, but to outright poaching.
It’s the rhino horn that’s the appeal. Rhino horn has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. In Yemen, rhino horn is prized for its presumed healing properties but for its ornamental use. This high demand for rhino horn has driven prices to astronomical heights. In 1990, the two horns from a single black rhino brought as much as $50,000. Fortunately, rhino horn for medical purposes is now illegal in most countries. However, the strong cultural attachment to genuine rhino horn, as well as the high profit associated with its sale, encourages illegal trade to continue.
Rhinos Standing Their Ground
Today, thanks to intensive protection measures such as Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary in Tsavo, rhinos are making a gradual comeback, albeit gradually.
Rhino poaching still occurs – though a lot less often than in the past. And, a slow reproductive rate makes increasing the population that much challenging. Thanks to a recent AWF-led project, Ngulia has expanded its total size to 35 square miles.
The truth is, the rhino still needs a lot of help before it comes charging back. But, at least for now it is standing its ground.
