Rhino Extinction Crisis: Poaching and Habitat Loss

"Chinese and Taiwanese markets are flourishing in the sale of rhino horn products."

murdered indian rhino
January 2008: This female Indian Rhino suffered for 35 hours before she died. Her calf was murdered, and as she stood over her dead calf, she was shot twice and her horn was removed while she was still alive. This murder occurred in Kaziranga National Park, where sadly, poaching is on the rise. Source: BBC News

Source: Trade Environment Database

A step in the right direction

According to National Geographic News, February 29, 2008, the Chinese government is cracking down on illegal online wildlife trade.

The move follows pressure from two international wildlife advocacy groups, which found thousands of items made from protected species for sale on major Chinese Internet auction sites in 2007. Read the full story at National Geographic News ...


The world's rhino population has decreased by 90% since 1970

"The biggest reason for the rhino extinction crisis is poaching for rhino horn, but habitat loss is increasingly a factor endangering the species. Rhino poaching supplies a black market for ornamental handles of daggers in Yemen (called jambiyas) and for [ an unnecessary ingredient* ] in traditional Chinese medicine in much of Asia. Habitat destruction caused by logging of forests and human settlement in protected areas is shrinking opportunities to recover lost populations of endemic rhinos. Furthermore, political conflict within and neighboring countries with protected areas is destabilizing law and order and undermining anti-poaching efforts." - International Rhino Foundation (IRF). *Emphasized information added to content by Saving Rhinos.

Worldwide: Why the illegal rhino horn market continues

"Despite international and domestic bans on trade in rhinoceros parts and products, Chinese and Taiwanese markets are flourishing in the sale of rhino horn products. China has promised, and is obligated, to restrict this trade as a signatory to the CITES agreement, but evidence suggests that it has failed to do so." Source: Trade Environment Database.

Javan Rhino: Most Critically Endangered Mammal on Earth

With fewer than 60 Javan Rhinos surviving in only two known locations, the Javan Rhino is quite possibly the most critically endangered mammal on earth.

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