subject: Rhino Horn – More Valuable Than Gold [print this page] Rhino Horn More Valuable Than Gold Rhino Horn More Valuable Than Gold
This year has seen a great number of news stories about the number of rhinos that have been poached since poaching went "hi-tech". Poachers were once hungry, barefoot people setting traps for passing animals, for food.
However, poaching is not like a military operation involving helicopters, high powered rifles, night vision equipment, and an "army" of poachers linked up via the latest communication technology. The rhinos do not stand a chance.
Why all the technology?
In recent years the value of rhino horn has rocketed and it is now more valuable than gold. This seems odd for a lump of keratin, the same material that makes up our hair and fingernails. However the market in Asia is huge were the rhino horn is ground into powder and used in medicine. It was common belief until very recently that rhino horn was used as an aphrodisiac but this is not the case.
Whatever it's use, there is no scientific evidence that suggests rhino horn has any medicinal value but as long as humans believe in its value, the demand for rhino horn will continue to grow.
Poaching is the single biggest threat to the future of the rhino species. If poaching continues at it's current rate, rhinos will disappear from the earth forever. The only way we can give them a chance is to bring an end to poaching, whether that be through new laws or through educating people, to reduce the demand for rhino horn.
Get involved and save the rhino
There are a great number of rhino conservation projects, which are all designed to save the rhino. You may not be able to head to Africa to get hands on, but you can support these vital projects through the rhino adoption scheme.
This fantastic scheme allows you to contribute to the projects so the experts can continue their work, to save on the last mega fauna on earth. Without this hard work the rhino will be lost forever. In return adopting a rhino you will receive a fabulous gift pack, allowing you give it as a gift to a loved one or simply as a treat for yourself. Whatever you choose to do with your gift pack, when you adopt a rhino you really are helping to change the future for this magnificent animal.
