Poaching in Africa has reached a new height. Game wardens and conservation organizations are beginning to outfit their teams with bullet proof vests and high powered rifles. There have been record deaths recently and violence is on the increase. Poachers are taking lethal force into their hands and driving a species towards the brink of extinction.
Sapa from Times LIVE stated, "South African rhino owners are becoming increasingly desperate as the country is being targeted by high-tech rhino poaching syndicates, believed to be working with industry insiders, to feed the demand for rhino horn in Vietnam and China".
Many species on the endangered list are there because of reduced habitat, so factor in poaching and you can wipe out a species. In recent years, poachers have become more advanced and organized. They know what they are after and they go after them with helicopters, night vision goggles and heat seeking telescopes.
Thirty years ago, the Black Rhino population was around 65,000. Trading rhino horns has not been legal since the 70’s, but that has not stopped the killing. Rhino deaths are up 900% since the 1970’s and the current population is around 3,600, most due to poaching.
Demand for rhino horn in Eastern Asia for medicinal purposes keeps the black market afloat. Rhino horns are made of Keratin, the same structural component for our hair and nails.
Elle Macpherson has even used it – www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/07/06/elle-macpherson-rhino-hor_n_636491.html
International aid organizations are at a frenzy to control this outbreak, but have much to conquer. Public harness needs to be raised and the penalties of the crime must increase. Jail time and substantial fines should be awarded to any involved.