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Dangers to Rhinos

The rhinoceros is a historically endangered animal native to Africa. Nearly poached to extinction for sport or for its legendary horns, both black and white rhinos have been supported by special interest groups, notably Save the Rhino. This organization was fervently supported by the late author Douglas Adams, though the poaching rate continues to rise.

Horn Poaching
- The rhinoceros has been a prominent target of unfounded claims that their horns contain various powers, including the ability to heal anything from headaches to typhoid to smallpox. It also is falsely rumored to be an aphrodisiac and to cure impotency. These claims are primarily from Asian cultures and have been in circulation for thousands of years. The horns also are used in decorative pieces, such as piano keys and knife handles, where they are considered to be of the best quality.
Trophy Hunting
- Sadly, the white rhino is now being hunted by big game hunters in South Africa after a stint on the endangered species list. These rhinos are a member of the Big 5, the five most difficult animals to hunt on foot that also includes lions, African elephants, Cape buffalo and leopards. Many safari outfitters, such as Thormahlen &Cochran Safaris in South Africa, have trophy rooms dedicated to both white and black rhinos. It is estimated that rhino populations have decreased by 85 percent since 1970, according to the educational website Bagheera that promotes the plight of endangered animals and plants.
Habitat Destruction
- As if the direct threat of hunters and poachers isn't enough, rhinos also are victims of habitat destruction. When land is cleared for major agricultural operations, rhinos are forced from their homes and must move to new territories. Rhinos are very territorial creatures and being driven from their land has adverse effects. When land is cleared, rhinos cannot hide as easily as they can in wooded areas.
Political Upheaval
- In the 1960s and 1970s, a period that saw the rhino population decrease by nearly 50 percent, African countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zimbabwe were in a state of political unrest as native populations sought to overthrow their European colonizers. This lead to bloody conflicts between local tribes and captured the world's attention, while at the same time opened the door for poachers and hunters to collect the rhinos' horns without consequence. Resources were redirected from conservation efforts, leaving rhinos unprotected from poaching threats.

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