July 2012. South African conservationists unveiled details of a proposal to overturn a 30-year global ban on rhinoceros horn trade, on the final day of the IVth International Wildlife Management Congress in Durban, South Africa. The proposal marks the latest effort to curb rhino poaching, which has spiked in recent years, threatening the continued survival of critically endangered black and white rhinos. The conference - co-sponsored by The Wildlife Society, the Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa (WESSA), South African National Parks (SANParks), and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife - addressed and explored issues related to cooperative wildlife management across borders.
Sell rhino horn direct to Chinese pharmaceutical companies
In his speech, former Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife conservation planning chief Roger Porter, outlined a plan to set up a highly regulated system of horn distribution from naturally deceased rhinos directly to Chinese pharmaceutical companies (IOL News). "Let's try it out for five years and see what impact it has on poaching and black market prices," Porter said. "If it reduces poaching significantly, let's carry on with it. If it doesn't, then you can stop the sales." (Times Live)
In his speech, former Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife conservation planning chief Roger Porter, outlined a plan to set up a highly regulated system of horn distribution from naturally deceased rhinos directly to Chinese pharmaceutical companies (IOL News). "Let's try it out for five years and see what impact it has on poaching and black market prices," Porter said. "If it reduces poaching significantly, let's carry on with it. If it doesn't, then you can stop the sales." (Times Live)
Surge in rhino poaching
It is uncertain whether legalized trade would decrease poaching, but conservationists are desperate for options. South Africa is home to 90 percent of all remaining critically endangered black and white rhinos. At one time, the white rhino was reduced to only 50, but successful conservation efforts brought that number back to 20,000. But in the last couple of years, poaching has increased from around 10 per year to over 400, coinciding with a surge in belief across Asia that rhino horn can cure cancer.
It is uncertain whether legalized trade would decrease poaching, but conservationists are desperate for options. South Africa is home to 90 percent of all remaining critically endangered black and white rhinos. At one time, the white rhino was reduced to only 50, but successful conservation efforts brought that number back to 20,000. But in the last couple of years, poaching has increased from around 10 per year to over 400, coinciding with a surge in belief across Asia that rhino horn can cure cancer.
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