Hi everyone - did any of you happen to catch today's article in The Guardian about the dropping of demand for rhino horn in Vietnam? If not, you can read it here.
Amazingly, there has been a 33% drop in demand, and as Vietnam is one of the major consumers of this commodity on the black market, this really is fantastic news.
However - there is still definitely a long way to go, and Asia still definitely is a major driving force in the trade. Last year a record 1,004 rhinos were illegally poached in South Africa. As this is the country with the largest population of rhinos left, this was a major blow. Sadly, another 821 have been killed this year, and the number is still looking to drastically increase.
This explosion in poaching is only relatively recent – only 13 rhinos were poached in South Africa in 2007. A key reason for this is the astronomical price of rhino horn. Amazingly, it can reach $100,000 a kilogram on the black market, rivalling, if not overtaking, the price of cocaine and even gold (see our other blog on 'The Poaching Problem' to find out more in depth about this issue).
It's good to know however that progress is being made, and you can help yourself in order to combat the trade. Many of our projects involve key rhino conservation initiatives in them, and it is a major focus at some of the reserves we work at. If you would like to get involved in projects helping in rhino conservation, why not join one of the five projects listed below - all which majorly help in trying to combat the heinous trade of poaching:
- 'The Shamwari Conservation Experience'
- 'The Askari Wilderness Conservation Project'
- 'The Victoria Falls Conservation Experience'
- 'The Zululand Wildlife Conservation Project'
All projects are dedicated to helping protect these magnificent animals, and as a volunteer at any one of these projects you will be actively involved in helping to protect and conserve them!
Speaking of which, did any of you happen to see the photos of the new baby male rhino born at the 'Victoria Falls Conservation Experience'? If not enjoy these fantastic photos below:
Please don't hesitate to get in contact with us if you are interested in joining one of these rhino conservation projects mentioned via email ([email protected]) or phone (+44(0)208 885 4987).
