Jason Police

Ben Henderson
CAS 138T
April 14th, 2016
Forsaken Horn: Illegal Poaching of Rhinos
One of Africas prized possessions has been, and always will be, the
rhinoceros. As a member of the Big Five, which consists of the African lion,
elephant, leopard, Cape buffalo, and white and black rhinoceros, the rhino is
one of Africas five most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt. The rhino
has been under even more scrutiny since its placement on the endangered
species list, as it is the most threatened member of this group. The
significant decline in the number of African rhinos is primarily due to illegal
poaching, fueled by the increased demand for their horns in Asian countries.
Considering this, African countries are presented with numerous multifaceted
challenges to protect this valued species. In order for future generations to
experience the privilege of seeing rhinos and other African animals in the
wild, illegal poaching must be suppressed. African countries have been
actively addressing the intensity of this problem, but have not yet been as
successful as necessary to preserve the species. Therefore, to enhance the
efficiency of protecting rhinos, a smaller African country like Zimbabwe,
should implement creative monitoring methods to aid in more rigorous
enforcement and establish stricter penalties to initiate a positive effect on
the rhino population.

To ascertain the predicament of the rhinoceros species and its

preservation, it is important to understand previous populations and the
current circumstances of these impressive animals. The two main rhinoceros
species native to Africa are the white rhino and the black rhino. Kenya,
Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe are the four countries that are home to
over 98% of Africas rhino population (Traffics Engagement). Africa has
approximately 20,000 white rhinoceroses, classified as near threatened by
the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The state of the
black rhino is much worse. The IUCN indicates that black rhinos are critically
endangered with only 5,000 remaining down from 65,000 in 1970. Overall,
the rhino population has deteriorated to only 15% of the 1970s levels still
alive in Africa today (Kasnoff). If African countries do not implement
strategies and enforce laws that aid the conservation of these animals, all
African rhinos may soon be classified as endangered or even extinct.
With such an open, global world with awareness to the importance of
the uniqueness of African wildlife, how can this drastic rhino population
decline be explained in our present-day society? There are many factors, but
unfortunately, the primary cause is greed, which causes the fueling of illegal
actions. Illegal poaching is decimating the African rhinos. Poachers not only
operate in small groups, but also are involved in sophisticated criminal
networks trafficking the horns of the animals to the final destinations. High
caliber weapons, poisons and veterinary drugs are some of the methods
used to incapacitate rhinos. Even though there are ways to extract a rhino

horn and keep the animal alive, poachers have no regard for this type of
preservation, often because they are in a hurry to avoid detection (Gordon).
If not immediately slaughtered, rhinos are left to die a slow and painful death
due to their injuries, with poachers often removing every last bit of the horn.
With a lifespan of only up to fifty years, the human exploitation of the
rhinoceros is the greatest threat to the population.

Unfortunately, the rates of poaching have been continuing an upward

trend across the continent of Africa, with certain countries experiencing
upsurges during particular time periods. South Africa lost 13 rhinos to
poachers in 2007, but that number increased to 1,004 by the end of 2013
(African Rhinos). Since 2008, poachers have killed almost 6,000 African
rhinos. For the sixth year in a row, the end of 2015 marked yet another year
the number of rhinos poached was greater than the previous year, with at
least 1,338 rhinos slaughtered (Poaching Statistics). According to research
by the Species Survival Commission (SSC), elevated levels of rhino poaching
have moved from the eastern African countries to the southern countries of
South Africa and Zimbabwe. These two countries have the most recorded
killings to date, reporting 96% of the deaths since 2006 (Cheteni). However,
with technical and financial support from a consortium of donors over several
years, Zimbabwes increased effort from law enforcement finally contributed
to a decrease in rhino poaching in Zimbabwe between 2010 and 2014. This
decline was short-lived, since 2015 showed disappointing statistics with

Zimbabwe doubling the number of illegal poaching from the previous year,
with almost 50 deaths (Poaching Statistics). One year of this type of
escalation can quickly reverse several years of progress with such a fragile
population, since even with a few years of lower numbers, Zimbabwes rhino
population had been depleted to a total of 766 white and black rhinos by
mid-2014 (White). Even when a country like Zimbabwe seems to be making
positive gains against the threat of illegal poaching, there are many
situations for which current laws are not concrete enough, and enforcement
standards are not upheld, to ensure comprehensive success.
Rhino poaching is provoked by demand, even though this demand may
be fostered by misconceptions even untruths. This demand is particularly
strong in Asian markets, primarily in Vietnam and China. The high value
placed on rhino horns is due to long held beliefs in the medicinal nature of
the horns. Even though many of these uses may not be scientifically
supported, since horns are made of keratin, the same structural component
of human nails, many in Asian countries are convinced they can cure
headaches, cancer and even makes some poisons harmless (Kasnoff). To
support some of these traditional beliefs, there are, records of rhinoceros
horn use as a medicine in China date back to the period 200 B.C.200 A.D.
(Traffics Engagement). With the historical and cultural value of rhino horns
in traditional Chinese medicine and the belief that they have the ability to
cure illness, it is difficult, to change the mindset of a population and decrease
the demand.

The demand for rhino horns is also stimulated by the price that it can
command on the black market. According to the Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), Rhino horn can go for $60,000$80,000 on the black market (Cheteni). An average rhino horn weighs
about one to three kilograms, making the black market value up to $240,000
for one horn. However, an insatiable demand for rhino horns in Vietnam can
push the black market price up to $100,000 per kilogram, making it worth
more than its weight in gold (Guilford). In addition, some countries
considered owning a rhino horn to be a sign of wealth, also driving up prices.
This is the reason for a significant decline in the rhino population in the
1970s, when a surge in oil prices created many wealthy males in Yemen,
desiring rhino horns for ornamentally carved dagger handles. Yemen
became the largest importer of rhino horn to satisfy the demand of its then
population of six million (Kasnoff). While some desire rhino horns without
consideration for the effect on the deterioration of the population, the black
market demand is not controlled by laws or sanctions, and therefore, will
continue to initiate high prices for an illegal product as long as a market
exists.
Zimbabwe is one of the African countries most affected by the rhinopoaching problem. As one of the four countries with a rhino population,
enforcement problems have contributed to a recent escalation in poaching
after several successful years. After several years of a decline in the number
of rhinos poached, Zimbabwe, saw a significant increase in 2015, doubling

the prior years numbers. Even with positive trends toward stopping the
illegal poaching of rhinos, one year of significantly more killings shows that
the current policies are not strong enough to act as a deterrent. Many
poaching incidents do not lead to arrests and even if successful convictions
are achieved, the consequences are not always enforced. For example, in
2010, Zimbabwe released six men from jail who were convicted of illegal
possession of firearms and a rhino horn just a few weeks before the largest
wildlife trade convention to address this issue. The inconsistencies in
enforcement and consequences have allowed poachers to continue illegal
activities. Zimbabwes policing difficulties also stem from an inability to
maintain enforcement of CITES international policies, which ban the trade of
rhino horns. An additional policing issue occurred when Zimbabwe enacted a
land ownership policy changes that redistributed rhino land in the year 2000.
This redistribution led to an increase in poverty throughout the country,
which also inadvertently promoted more rhino killing for money. This
occurred simultaneously with the beginning of the decline of Zimbabwes
successful wildlife management program. Accordingly, the successes of
several years and then the failures of combatting illegal rhino poaching in
Zimbabwe is representative of other countries in Africa.
In order to initiate the greatest impact on the restoration of the rhino
population in Africa, countries need to take initiative and address current
issues. Zimbabwe is a perfect country to test a potential plan to save the
rhinos, because it is a smaller country, considering landmass, with a rhino

population. In addition, Zimbabwe has had some success, as well as

negative outcomes while trying to combat the poachers. This plan to help
further restore the rhino population has the ability to prevent illegal poaching
activities, and establish Zimbabwe as a prototype for how future countries
should fight their illegal poaching problems. To preserve the rhino
population, Zimbabwe must impose stricter penalties on the killing and
distribution of rhinos, while increasing protection methods and promoting
tourism. Contributing to this effort, Zimbabwe has received help from a trust
formed in 2008 from a consortium of donors providing funding and technical
support to establish conservancies, which are now home to most of the
countrys rhinos (White Rhino).
Without significant penalties on illegal activities, the rewards are
greater than the risks, and therefore, provide an incentive for participation or
involvement. In recent years, rhino poachers in South Africa have had an
overwhelmingly higher percentage of not being caught for killing a rhino and
selling its horns. For a comparison, South African Department
Environmental Affairs indicates 1,215 rhinos were poached in 2014 and 386
poachers, couriers, and syndicate members have been arrested or killed
(Environmental Crimes). The recorded 2015 poachers who were arrested
increased by 23% from 2014, but that is still not significant enough if a
country wants the killing of their animals to stop (Environmental Crimes). In
the past, there have been poachers who received jail sentences for the killing
and illegal trading of rhinos in Zimbabwe, but these allegedly lengthy jail

times ended with the men being released early and then immediately
disappearing. If the punishment for poaching activities is not serious, it
encourages poachers and citizens to commit this crime, especially
considering the high financial reward. To abate this risk, Zimbabwe needs to
increase the punishment for illegal poaching of rhinos and the selling of
horns by doubling bail and increasing jail sentences. This should make
involvement in the illegal activity less attractive for poorer Africans, because
of the risk of being unavailable to support ones family. This increased jail
sentence should also be a threat to poachers. The increase in the cost of bail
and longer jail sentences will be effective as well as the additional methods
of protection are modernized to catch these criminals.
With greater penalties for illegal poaching, more productive methods of
capturing these poachers must be implemented in Zimbabwe to fully combat
this crime. New technology for added surveillance and security, especially
for more wide open land areas, will allow for easier identification of criminals
and support more consistent enforcement and arrests. Certain areas of
Africa, which have not been revealed, have been using drones to run
surveillance throughout parks and unprotected areas in order to spot and
track poachers (Fieldstadt). Researchers at the University of Maryland
teamed with Dr. Thomas Snitch, to run the Air Shepherd campaign, which
has been combating the poaching crisis with the use of drone surveillance.
According to Dr. Snitch, In the past six months where we've been operating
in Africa, we've arrested a lot of poachers" (Fieldstadt). With this instant

success, there has not been one arrest with a gunshot, and the use of drones
has placed many rangers out of danger, since poachers do not hesitate to kill
rangers as well. Zimbabwe should implement drones similar to Air
Shepherds with the aid from existing and future consortium funding.
Successful use of drones on a small scale is a sufficient indicator that its use
could be spread to other parts of Africa to combat rhino poaching. The
productive use of this innovative technology may be the beginning of a new
era of combatting these hunters. These drone will not only save rhinos, but
they will also save the lives of rangers while protecting rhinos (Kasnoff). The
drones are controlled by a smart computer, which is able to locate the dense
populations of rhinos, as well as lone animals. By working with consortiums
and organizations to expand the number of drones in Zimbabwe and in other
parts of Africa, the number of rhinos poached should definitely decline from
the previous years numbers.
To fully attack the illegal rhino-poaching problem, Zimbabwe must
implement multiple methods of capturing these poachers, especially since
the number of rhinos targeted has been increasing. In addition to the air
surveillance, Zimbabwe needs to initiate the creative strategies of
neighboring countries sharing the same problems. South Africa is using
additional animals in tactics that keep rangers out of trouble while
addressing this increase in poaching. Like South Africa, Zimbabwe should
initiate K-9 units (Guarino). These dogs should be utilized to detect the scent
of poachers and the scent of horns that are already in the process of being

trafficked. With the addition of these K-9 units and air capability in South
Africa, the total number of arrests inside Kruger National Park was 138 for
this year compared to 81 arrests for the same period last year as at 27
August 2015 (Guarino). With the addition of these protection methods in a
smaller country like Zimbabwe, their success with these practices would
further establish Zimbabwe as a model for other countries who would want
to combat rhino poaching.
Many people around the world can also contribute to the solution of
combating rhino poaching by traveling to Africa for a safari. Tourism provides
significant income to African countries on many levels of their economy.
Consortiums and other organizations help to save these animals and
promote travel and even if money is not directly donated to a wildlife
preservation charity or program, part of the money spent on a safari goes to
research and ways to stop illegal poaching (Gordon). An increase in the
number of tourists in the more populated areas of rhinos would make it less
attractive for poachers because it provides an income alternative for locals,
an increase in potential detection and the spread of knowledge about the
poaching problem.
By implementing these policies and incorporating this plan in
Zimbabwe and throughout Africa, all wildlife populations, not just the rhinos,
should rebound in the upcoming years. The most endangered of the Big 5
should respond concurrently with the decline in the total number of killings
from poachers. This decrease in killings will result from an increase in

punishments if caught in any poaching activity, the killing of rhinos and the
selling of rhino horns. The new drone technology for monitoring and
catching poachers should preclude many from this risky trade. After multiple
years of implementation, Zimbabwes use of drones will become more
sophisticated, because the computer technology will gather copious amounts
of data that will increase the usage and preciseness on where rhinos gather
and the most likely area for poachers to strike. With these more creative
methods to stop the poaching of rhinos, strategies such as the use of K-9
units will combine to be a success in Zimbabwe and other countries when
producing positive results. Each of these methods will allow countries to
more effectively track poachers, while saving the lives of rangers trying to
fend off poachers while protecting a rhinoceros. The expansion and
combination of the attributes of this plan will most definitely combat the
current crisis in Zimbabwe and other countries, because components of the
plan have already proven effective.
The intensity of rhino poaching in Africa is threatening a valued
species. Since the demand for rhino horns is continuing in Vietnam and
China, African countries need to implement a new plan to preserve the rhino
population on a smaller scale, ultimately spreading this plan through other
African countries as positive outcomes are produced. The stricter penalties
and new computerized drones, combined with additional observation
techniques will assist enforcement and deter rhino poaching and horn
trading and sales. If caught, poachers will have more severe consequences,

which will be detrimental to families, due to increased bail amounts and

lengthy jail sentences. This plan to restore the rhino population will continue
to allow more families from around the world to enjoy the privilege of
observing these giants of Africa in their natural habitat, while also helping
the cause of rhino poaching by enjoying their safari and spreading awareness
of the issue and the progress Africa has made, especially in Zimbabwe.

Word Count: 2893

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