Ceratotherium simum (Burchell, 1817)
THREATS
Historically, poaching has been a major factor in the decline of the African Rhinos, with loss of habitat to agriculture and human settlement of secondary importance.12,13 Although now considered to be negligible, demand for
rhino horn dagger handles (worn as status symbols in Yemen) grew in the 1970s as Yemeni men began to earn high wages in the oil-rich Gulf states.8,9 Northern Yemen became the main market for African Rhino horn and the conse
quent 20-fold price-rise in rhino horn had a devastating effect upon both Black and White Rhinoceros populations. In the early 1980s approximately 1.75 tonnes, half of the horn traded in the world, went to Northern Yemen. Since the collapse in oil prices
in the mid 1980s, changes in cultural priorities amongst the Yemenis and a government system for licensing dagger craftsmen, combined with high penalties for the use of rhinoceros horn, have resulted in a decline in the level of rhino horn trade in North
Yemen.1,7 The influence of the recent civil disturbances on wildlife trade is as yet uncertain.
A far more significant threat is posed by the demand for rhino horn for use in traditional Asian medicines. In 1994, a kilogram of rhino horn was estimated to be worth approximately US $60,000 in the Far East11, the major markets being China, Yemen, Taiwa
n and South Korea9. In South Korea the horn is used for the treatment of a variety of ailments ranging from epilepsy, fevers, strokes to AIDS.2,7 Recently it has been argued that rhino horn is
irreplaceable in medicine. A survey of medical practitioners showed that 60% stocked rhino horn and 27% maintained that it was essential to their work.9 These attitudes and beliefs perpetuate the trade in rhino horn. Anti-po
aching efforts are widespread throughout the White Rhinos range, effective mainly in Kenya, Namibia, South Africa and Zaïre.5
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