What were the most popular rhino stories of 2011? Find out here.

For the second year in a row, we’ve compiled the Top Ten Rhino Stories of the year. And while many of the stories are unpleasant, all of them must be told.

In 2011, mainstream media took more notice of the rhino crisis, but there is still much work to be done to thwart the “perfect storm” of myths, greed, and corruption.

Starting with #10 and counting down to #1, here are the Top Ten Rhino Stories of 2011:

#10. Rhino killings in South Africa linked to antique rhino horn market

The buzz about “rhinoceros horn cups” in 2011 finally put the connection between antique rhino horn and rhino killings in the spotlight, and our closer look at yet another trade loophole became a popular topic.

Read it: Disturbing Connection Between Antique Rhino Horn Activity and Rhino Killings in South Africa

#9. Zimbabwe rhino conservationist wins Goldman Prize

Zimbabwe rhino conservationist Raoul du Toit was awarded the prestigious Goldman Prize for his work in initiatives that have helped to develop and maintain Zimbabwe’s largest remaining black rhino populations.

Read it: Prestigious Environmental Prize Awarded to Zimbabwe Rhino Conservationist

#8: A positive step from the Chinese medicine community

The Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM) in the UK issued a statement condemning the use of rhino horn in Chinese medicine.

Read it: Chinese Medicine Organization Speaks Out Against Use of Rhino Horn

#7: South African game farmer laundering rhino horn with Thai “prostitutes”

Safari operator/game farmer Marnus Steyl was named by South African media in the rhino horn trading racket involving Thai national Chumlong Lemtongthai. (Steyl was unsurprisingly granted bail.)

Read it: South African Hunting Safari Operator Linked to Illegal Rhino Horn Trade and Thai Strippers

#6: Revisit the shocking events that exposed the world’s most famous (alleged) rhino horn syndicate to the world

In preparation for the “Groenewald gang” April 2011 court date, we compiled a list of the scandalous revelations that made headlines around the world. (The next court appearance is slated for April 2012.)

Read it: Court Date Approaches for South African ‘Groenewald Gang’ Rhino Horn Syndicate Suspects

#5: Antique rhinoceros horn cups create media frenzy

The “record-breaking” appraisal of Chinese antique rhinoceros horn cups created a big media hubbub.

Read it: Fuss Over Antique Rhinoceros Horn Cups Fails to Mention Loss of Life

#4: Scientific studies conclude rhino horn is worthless as a remedy

We re-introduced three scientific studies confirming that rhino horn has no medicinal value.

Read it: Busting the Rhino Horn Medicine Myth with Science

#3: China pumping millions of dollars into encouraging the use of rhino horn

Nearly a year after we began raising questions about the connections between China’s traditional medicine industry investments, research proposals about rhino horn harvesting, and live rhino imports, our suspicions were confirmed.

Read it: Suspicions Confirmed: China Investing Millions in Rhino Horn Scheme

#2: World Rhino Day 2011

From Australia to Zimbabwe, the message was loud and clear: Rhino horn is NOT medicine!

Visit the World Rhino Day 2011 page here.

#1: Vietnamese Javan rhino declared extinct

The world’s last Rhinoceros sondaicus annamiticus was murdered for her small horn.

Vietnam’s tiny rhino population struggled against several formidable obstacles, including the traditional medicine trade, questionable government funding decisions, and habitat loss.

If only the recommended conservation programs had been implemented and supported by the relevant authorities within Vietnam, the impact of these obstacles could have been lessened.

Read it: Gone Forever: Javan Rhino Declared Extinct in Vietnam

Special mentions

Four additional stories which were close to the Top Ten and worthy of mentioning here:

• Extinction of Western Black Rhino Confirmed
• Critically Endangered Black, Sumatran Rhino Horns Confiscated in China; Four Arrested
• Rhino Horns Seized in Hong Kong; Shipment Arrived from South Africa
• Concern Grows Around Role of South Africa’s Rhino Horn Suppliers

Criteria

The Top Ten list was compiled using a combination of the following:

• Web traffic – number of visits (overall and spikes)
• Social media engagement (Facebook®, StumbleUpon, discussion forums, etc.)
• Additional media activity (news websites, traditional media, other blogs)

Thank you for taking time to read Rhino Horn is NOT Medicine, for visiting our website at savingrhinos.org, and joining us on Facebook®.

Check out last year’s “Top Ten Rhino Stories of 2010“.

All images © Saving Rhinos LLC, except photo: © Michelle Gadd/Goldman Environmental Prize

Rhishja Cota-Larson

I am the founder of Saving Rhinos LLC, which publishes news and information about the global rhino crisis. I am the Editor of Rhino Horn is Not Medicine and Project Pangolin, author of the book Murder, Myths & Medicine, and a writer for the environmental news blog Planetsave. When I'm not blogging about the illegal wildlife trade, I like to rock out to live music.

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See Rhino Horn is Not Medicine for more information.

Two beautiful baby rhinos making adorable noises!

These two curious baby rhinos seem to be talking to each other, as they enjoy some attention from admirers. It’s not every day we get to hear baby rhino sounds – so check it out!

Rhishja Cota-Larson

I am the founder of Saving Rhinos LLC, which publishes news and information about the global rhino crisis. I am the Editor of Rhino Horn is Not Medicine and Project Pangolin, author of the book Murder, Myths & Medicine, and a writer for the environmental news blog Planetsave. When I'm not blogging about the illegal wildlife trade, I like to rock out to live music.

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See Rhino Horn is Not Medicine for more information.

More rhino t-shirt designs!

Since 2007, we’ve been offering a wide selection of rhino t-shirts and other merchandise, and one of the most popular t-shirt designs has consistently been our “horny is good” t-shirt. People seem to have fun with this message.

This year – just in time for the holidays – those who enjoy the “horny” double entendre are in for a treat: We’ve just added a new online store called Horny Forever.

Horny Forever features designs that are geared towards adults. (Those of you with an eye for detail might have noticed a slightly different version of the Saving Rhinos logo – more on that later.)

Six ‘horny rhino’ designs

As of this writing, there are six designs (including the original “horny is good“), with more in this week’s pipeline.

In addition to the Horny Forever logo, there is “Big & Horny” (a white rhino) and another called “Making Baby Rhinos” that is simply an illustration of two rhinos (making a baby rhino). “Have a horny day!” is a simple twist on a classic design.

And then there’s just “HORNY” which sports a golden rhino with plum lettering.

Visit both stores:

• Horny Forever – let’s keep rhinos horny forever!
• Main store – home of the “Rhino horn is NOT medicine” t-shirts

Please note: Merchandise is available for online ordering only; international shipping is available.

Rhinos in Nepal

We contribute a portion of our t-shirt proceeds to Partnership for Rhino Conservation (PARC/Nepal) and have been doing so since 2009.

The funds help pay for printing educational materials and sponsoring public awareness events that directly impact the people living side-by-side with the greater one-horned rhino in the Chitwan National Park buffer zone. In addition, we promote PARC’s efforts on our social media platforms.

Find out more about the public awareness activities we have helped support at Update from Nepal: A Successful Year of Raising Public Awareness About Rhino Conservation.

About Saving Rhinos

Saving Rhinos LLC is mostly a self-funded endeavor, and is not a charity or nonprofit, and does not accept donations. I also work behind the scenes to provide subject matter expertise to select NGOs and verifiable media sources.

© Saving Rhinos LLC

Image: © Saving Rhinos LLC

Rhishja Cota-Larson

I am the founder of Saving Rhinos LLC, which publishes news and information about the global rhino crisis. I am the Editor of Rhino Horn is Not Medicine and Project Pangolin, author of the book Murder, Myths & Medicine, and a writer for the environmental news blog Planetsave. When I'm not blogging about the illegal wildlife trade, I like to rock out to live music.

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See Rhino Horn is Not Medicine for more information.

Four of the five rhino species all on one calendar!

The beautiful 2012 rhino calendar produced by International Rhino Keeper Association (IRKA) and the International Rhino Foundation (IRF) is now ready to order.

Photos were submitted by rhino enthusiasts from around the world, and the winning twelve were selected by vote. In all, 77 participants submitted a total of 271 photos, and 4,090 votes were cast.

The calendars are being sold for US $26 each. Funds will be used to help purchase supplies for rhino protection units in Zimbabwe and South Africa:

• Digital cameras
• Tamper proof evidence bags
• PDAs
• Metal detectors
• Shoes
• GPS
• Binoculars

These supplies will help increase effective protection of rhino populations, help ensure successful prosecutions of wildlife crimes, and contribute to collection of crime evidence when rhinos are killed, specifically in selected areas of Zimbabwe and South Africa.

To purchase your calendar, please see the IRKA/IRF Calendar Fundraiser page on the IRKA website here.

Image via International Rhino Keeper Association at rhinokeeperassociation.org

Rhishja Cota-Larson

I am the founder of Saving Rhinos LLC, which publishes news and information about the global rhino crisis. I am the Editor of Rhino Horn is Not Medicine and Project Pangolin, author of the book Murder, Myths & Medicine, and a writer for the environmental news blog Planetsave. When I'm not blogging about the illegal wildlife trade, I like to rock out to live music.

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See Rhino Horn is Not Medicine for more information.

The latest fact sheets are ready!

Our popular Rhino Species Fact Sheets are now updated and ready to download! Each rhino species has its own fact sheet.

The Rhino Species Fact Sheets were first published in 2009, updated in 2010, and have since been downloaded by people all over the world. The 2011 population figures are based on information provided at the International Rhino Keeper Association Workshop, which was held in May 2011.

Enjoy!

Download the Rhino Species Fact Sheets

• Black Rhino fact sheet
• Indian (Greater One-Horned) Rhino fact sheet
• Javan Rhino fact sheet
• Sumatran Rhino fact sheet
• White Rhino fact sheet

For additional free public awareness and learning tools, please visit the Saving Rhinos downloads page.

Image: © Saving Rhinos LLC

Rhishja Cota-Larson

I am the founder of Saving Rhinos LLC, which publishes news and information about the global rhino crisis. I am the Editor of Rhino Horn is Not Medicine and Project Pangolin, author of the book Murder, Myths & Medicine, and a writer for the environmental news blog Planetsave. When I'm not blogging about the illegal wildlife trade, I like to rock out to live music.

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See Rhino Horn is Not Medicine for more information.

Big plans in the Lone Star State!

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center will celebrate World Rhino Day by hosting an art contest for local schoolchildren, and selling the art on September 22^nd at Hollywood and Vine restaurant in Glen Rose. All proceeds from the art show and a portion of the proceeds from the dinners served on World Rhino Day will go to Fossil Rim’s rhino program!

Rhino art contest

The World Rhino Day Art Contest hosted by Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is open to students who attend Glen Rose ISD schools. Rhinos must be the most prominent part of the pictures!

There are four divisions in the art contest, determined by grade level. In each division, First, Second, and Third place will be awarded.

First prize in each division includes a one year membership to Fossil Rim for four people.

For all the details about the art contest, download the World Rhino Day Art Contest Rules and connect with Fossil Rim on Facebook®.

Find out more about World Rhino Day here.

Dinner and art sale

Submitted artwork will be on display on September 22^nd at Hollywood and Vine restaurant in Glen Rose. Contest winners will be announced at 7:30 pm.

All parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends are encouraged to come and enjoy the art exhibit and purchase your child’s picture. A special menu will be provided by Hollywood and Vine, and $1.00 from each meal purchased will be donated the rhino program at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center.

Connect with Hollywood and Vine on Facebook®.

About Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center has been involved regionally and globally since 1987 with the conservation of white rhinoceros, and since 1991 with black rhinoceros. Seven white rhinos and five black rhino calves have been born at Fossil Rim.

Fossil Rim is a founding member of the International Rhino Foundation (IRF) and an institutional supporter of the International Rhino Keepers Association (IRKA).

Adam Eyres, Fossil Rim hoofstock supervisor, is co-author of a number of publications about rhinos and was involved with the writing of the Rhino Husbandry Manual. Additionally, he is the White Rhino SSP (Species Survival Plan) Coordinator for North America.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 wildlife conservation facility that specializes in captive-breeding programs for endangered and threatened animal species. Fossil Rim funds its award winning conservation efforts with tourism. The center manages over 50 species of wildlife including cheetah, rhinos, giraffe, wolves, zebra, and the Attwater’s Prairie Chicken. Fossil Rim offers a 9½ mile Scenic Wildlife Drive, unique Safari Camp lodging, guided tours, camps, Nature Store, and Café to visitors. For more information, call (254) 897-2960 or visit fossilrim.org.

Got questions about World Rhino Day? Check out the FAQs and connect with us on the World Rhino Day 2011 page on Facebook®.

Photo & logo courtesy & © Fossil Rim Wildlife Center.

Rhishja Cota-Larson

I am the founder of Saving Rhinos LLC, which publishes news and information about the global rhino crisis. I am the Editor of Rhino Horn is Not Medicine and Project Pangolin, author of the book Murder, Myths & Medicine, and a writer for the environmental news blog Planetsave. When I'm not blogging about the illegal wildlife trade, I like to rock out to live music.

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See Rhino Horn is Not Medicine for more information.

Good work by the Hawks and the South African Revenue Service.

South Africa’s elite Hawks have arrested a Thai national at his residence in Edenvale. The suspect had used legal trophy hunts as a cover for acquiring rhino horn, which he sent abroad for illegal use in traditional Chinese medicine.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) stated that the alleged trader had an “order” for 50 rhino horn sets in his possession when he arrived in the country last month.

The suspect arrested today entered South Africa on Monday 13 June this year when SARS Customs officials searched him and found various documents, invoices, an order for 50 sets of rhino horn, a computer and a cell phone that were detained for further investigation.

He was arrested in connection with several violations of the Customs and Excise Act, most notably section 80 (1), which deals with the “improper use of permits in respect of goods”.

The name of the trophy hunt business involved in the scheme was not provided.

Also noteworthy is that two Thai nationals, identified as Phichet Thongphai and Punpitak Chunchom, were arrested last month Edenvale for trading in lion bones.

The pair is employed by a Laos-based company known as Xaysavang Export Import. They were approached by South African game farmers who wanted to sell lion bones, which are frequently substituted for tiger bones in traditional Chinese medicine.

• Learn more about how South African hunting safaris are used as a cover to run rhino horn at Mules Hunting Rhinos? Sinister Scam Unfolds in South Africa.
• Learn more about rhino horn at Busting the Rhino Horn Medicine Myth with Science.

See also ‘Tiger Bone & Rhino Horn: The Destruction of Wildlife for Traditional Chinese Medicine’.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Rhishja Cota-Larson

I am the founder of Saving Rhinos LLC, which publishes news and information about the global rhino crisis. I am the Editor of Rhino Horn is Not Medicine and Project Pangolin, author of the book Murder, Myths & Medicine, and a writer for the environmental news blog Planetsave. When I'm not blogging about the illegal wildlife trade, I like to rock out to live music.

Website - Twitter - Facebook - More Posts

See Rhino Horn is Not Medicine for more information.

Yet another senseless tragedy.

The young bottle-fed, hand-raised Southern white rhino featured on the BBC’s “Last Chance to See” program has reportedly been killed for his horns in Kenya. “Max” was only five years old.

According to Wanderlust, the program’s presenters, Mark Carwardine, and Stephen Fry, have been tweeting about the tragedy. Carwardine also tweeted this photo of Max.

Mark Carwardine described Max in his book (Last Chance to See) as being “the tamest rhino in Africa”.

We patted Max on the head, introduced ourselves, and took some photographs. A storm was gathering and the sky was threatening and deep, dark blue. A rainbow appeared above Max’s head. It was an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity.

Read the entire excerpt about Max from Last Chance to See here.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Rhishja Cota-Larson

I am the founder of Saving Rhinos LLC, which publishes news and information about the global rhino crisis. I am the Editor of Rhino Horn is Not Medicine and Project Pangolin, author of the book Murder, Myths & Medicine, and a writer for the environmental news blog Planetsave. When I'm not blogging about the illegal wildlife trade, I like to rock out to live music.

Website - Twitter - Facebook - More Posts

See Rhino Horn is Not Medicine for more information.

WWF speaks out for rhinos.

One of the word’s largest environmental organizations, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), made a most welcome statement in yesterday’s media release by opposing bail for rhino crimes – and acknowledging the fact that rhino horn has no medicinal properties.

In an announcement bearing the tragic news that South Africa has already lost nearly 200 rhinos to the illegal rhino horn trade this year, WWF made its position clear regarding how rhino crimes are handled by the country’s judicial system.

According to WWF, criminals who are out on bail continue to put rhinos at risk and can interfere with the legal process.

WWF opposes the granting of bail to poaching suspects due to the gravity of their crimes and their high flight risk. Suspects at large continue to pose a threat to rhinos and can cause delays to judicial proceedings.

It was noted that out of 123 arrests made so far in 2011, there have been six convictions. Last year, 165 arrests resulted in four successful prosecutions.

In addition, the organization stated that there is no scientific basis for the belief that rhino horn is a remedy.

Rhino poaching is being fueled by demand for horns in Asia, where they are highly valued for traditional medicine, although rhino horn has no scientifically proven healing properties.

Read the entire media release at Rhino poaching surge continues in 2011.

(Interesting: The China Post omitted “although rhino horn has no scientifically proven healing properties” in its version. Read it here.)

Learn more

More articles about rhino horn:

• Busting the Rhino Horn Medicine Myth with Science
• Rhino Horn Myths: Then and Now
• Suspicions Confirmed: China Investing Millions in Rhino Horn Scheme

See also South Africa: 2011 Rhino Death Toll Surges to 200.

Help raise awareness about the rhino crisis

Want to help? Check out our awareness campaigns:

• Bust the Myth – Save the Species rhino crisis awareness campaign
• Rhino Horn is NOT Medicine rhino crisis awareness campaign

Visit Saving Rhinos to learn more.

Image © iStockphoto.com

Rhishja Cota-Larson

I am the founder of Saving Rhinos LLC, which publishes news and information about the global rhino crisis. I am the Editor of Rhino Horn is Not Medicine and Project Pangolin, author of the book Murder, Myths & Medicine, and a writer for the environmental news blog Planetsave. When I'm not blogging about the illegal wildlife trade, I like to rock out to live music.

Website - Twitter - Facebook - More Posts

See Rhino Horn is Not Medicine for more information.

More arrests made in South Africa’s flagship park.

A team comprised of members from South Africa National Parks (SANParks), South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and the Environmental Crime Investigation Unit (ECI) arrested three suspected rhino killers near the Olifants River in the Houtboschrand ranger section of Kruger National Park.

The trio was arrested on June 30^th, and identified as Silvester Ngobeni, Jose Showbell, and Felix Kunguma. They will reportedly remain in custody until their case is heard on July 6^th at White River Magistrate’s Court, in Mpumalanga.

According to defenceWeb, the gang was was carrying an AK47 assault rifle and a hunting rifle, along with ammunition for both weapons. They had also brought along a hand grenade and two axes. Other items found in their possession included two Nokia cellphones and foodstuffs.

Police Captain Leonard Hlathi said via IOL News that Ngobeni, Showbell and Kunguma are believed to be illegal immigrants. They are expected to face charges of trespassing and possession of explosives, unlicensed firearms, and ammunition.

Body count and arrests rising

The 2011 body count for South Africa’s rhinos has tragically reached 200, and arrests are on the rise.

• 2011 (as of July 4^th): 200 rhinos killed in South Africa; 123 arrests, six convictions
• 2010: 333 rhinos killed in South Africa; 165 arrests, four convictions

While some cases are still ongoing, it is hoped that the conviction rate will also increase.

Learn more

At the root of the rhino crisis is the continued use of rhino horn in traditional Chinese medicine, although rhino horn has been rigorously analyzed and actually contains no curative properties.

To learn more about the rhino crisis, check out:

• Mules Hunting Rhinos? Sinister Scam Unfolds in South Africa
• Suspicions Confirmed: China Investing Millions in Rhino Horn Scheme
• Busting the Rhino Horn Myth with Science

Image © iStockphoto.com

Rhishja Cota-Larson

I am the founder of Saving Rhinos LLC, which publishes news and information about the global rhino crisis. I am the Editor of Rhino Horn is Not Medicine and Project Pangolin, author of the book Murder, Myths & Medicine, and a writer for the environmental news blog Planetsave. When I'm not blogging about the illegal wildlife trade, I like to rock out to live music.

Website - Twitter - Facebook - More Posts

See Rhino Horn is Not Medicine for more information.