A gang of rhino killers received a taste of their own medicine.

A rhino killing attempt was thwarted by Kaziranga National Park security forces, who shot three gang members during a deadly five hour encounter.

Authorities confiscated a rifle, ammunition, and an axe from the gang.

Check out the CVB News video:

Last weekend, a suspect was arrested when he sneaked into the Assam State Zoo, with the intention of killing at least one of the zoo’s nine greater one-horned rhinos.

Greater one-horned rhinos

One of the three Asian rhino species, greater one-horned rhinos (Rhinoceros unicornis) were once widespread throughout the northern floodplains and nearby foothills of the Indian sub-continent between Indo-Myanmar border in the east, and Sindh River basin, Pakistan in the west.

Today, the remaining 2,949 greater one-horned rhinos are found only in a few protected areas in northeastern India and lowland Nepal.

Traditional medicine myths continue to threaten rhinos

Although the greater one-horned rhino population is steadily increasing, these rhinos remain under threat of being killed for their horn.

Despite the fact that extensive scientific analysis has confirmed that rhino horn has no medicinal value, myths and superstitions about rhino horn persist throughout China and Vietnam, where rhino horn is considered a key ingredient of traditional Chinese medicine.

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.

An extremely disturbing incident.

Police in Guwahati have arrested a man identified as Chin Khansong after he sneaked into the Assam State Zoo with a .303 rifle, ammunition, an axe, and a machete. The suspect confessed he was planning to kill “as many rhinos as possible” in order to sell their horns.

Nine greater one-horned rhinos reside at the zoo.

According to the Hindustan Times, Khansong is from the Churachandpur district of Manipur.

He had apparently scaled the zoo’s wall during the night, hoping the facility would be empty during Magh Bihu (Assam’s harvest festival).

Last year, the Thoiry zoo and wildlife park near Paris placed its rhinos under camera surveillance for added security.

Tiger killed inside zoo

In August 2009, a Sumatran tiger was killed and skinned inside her enclosure at Rimbo Zoo in Indonesia.

The tiger’s skin, along with the various body parts in demand for traditional Chinese medicine, were taken from the tiger’s enclosure.

Two people identified as Akmamul Mukminin and Samsudin alias Udin Bolu were later arrested for killing the tiger. Samsudin was sentenced to 46 months in jail.

Photo © 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.

Syndicated via Planetsave.

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.

Exciting news from Australia!

The Asian Rhino Project website has a fabulous new look!

Earlier this month, the Asian Rhino Project (ARP) rolled out a newly re-designed website and logo.

The design is quite pleasing: The new colors are earthy, yet modern – and there are several photos of all three of these lesser-know rhino species. Large, beautiful photos in the home page banner roll from one species to the next, so each one receives a turn at front and center.

Most importantly, there is plenty of information about getting involved: No matter where you are in the world, you can help Asian rhinos!

Please take a tour of the ARP website at asianrhinos.org.au and learn more about how you can help the three Asian rhino species:

• Greater one-horned (Indian) rhino population: 2,949
• Sumatran rhino population: About 200
• Javan rhino population: Fewer than 50

About the Asian Rhino Project

The Asian Rhino Project (ARP) is an Australian non-profit, volunteer organization raising awareness and support for the three Asian rhino species: Greater one-horned (Indian), Javan, and Sumatran rhinos.

The Asian Rhino Project raises funds from donors, corporate sponsors and memberships, merchandise sales, events, and educational programs. Contributions to in-situ programs are made through partnerships formed with conservation organizations in the field.

Donations to the Asian Rhino Project over $2 are tax deductible and 100% of these funds are directly committed to the conservation of this flagship species.

Learn more:

• Asian Rhino Project website
• Asian Rhino Project Facebook® page

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.

Good news!

There is an encouraging update regarding the 17 people arrested last month in Nepal: This gang is reportedly the “first complete chain” of rhino horn smugglers and traders to be taken into custody at once.

‘From grassroots to the international level’

An announcement by WWF noted that the operation’s success was due to the joint efforts of Chitwan National Park authorities, Criminal Investigation Bureau, Nepal Army and the local administration, along with WWF-Nepal.

This arrest is being seen as a significant achievement since it has led to the complete breakdown of a network of poachers and smugglers right from the grassroots to the international level.

One of the people arrested, Tanjing Nima Lama, had been declared legally dead in 2003.

It turns out that his family submitted a false death certificate, while Lama continued to operate an illegal trade network.

More connections

The investigation is currently in progress, and the gang is being interrogated by the Chitwan National Park authorities.

It is believed that the network is connected to a wider operation which includes Chitwan, Nawalparasi and Kathmandu – as well as links outside of Nepal.

WWF has posted a photo of the 17 rhino horn smuggling gang members here.

Here’s to a job well done!

Photo © 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.

Busted!

Authorities at Chitwan National Park have reportedly arrested 17 people in connection with a rhino horn smuggling operation.

The smuggling ring is believed to be part of a larger network involving Chitwan, Nawalparasi and Kathmandu, according to The Himalayan Times.

Chief Conservation Officer Jhamak Bahadur Kark said that Rs. 900,000 ($11,465) was confiscated from the gang.

Greater one-horned rhinos in Nepal

One of the three Asian rhino species, greater one-horned rhinos (Rhinoceros unicornis) were once widespread throughout the northern floodplains and nearby foothills of the Indian sub-continent between Indo-Myanmar border in the east, and Sindh River basin, Pakistan in the west.

Nepal’s most recent rhino census found that the population of greater one-horned rhinos has increased to 534. The count was conducted in April 2011, and revealed an increase of 99 rhinos since the last count in 2008.

Chitwan National Park was found to have 503 rhinos, while 24 reside in Bardia National Park, and Shukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve holds seven of the precious pachyderms.

Today, the remaining 2,949 (includes the new census) greater one-horned rhinos are found only in a few protected areas in northeastern India and lowland Nepal.

Traditional medicine myths continue to threaten rhinos

Although the greater one-horned rhino population is steadily increasing, these rhinos remain under threat of being killed for their horn.

Despite the fact that extensive scientific analysis has confirmed that rhino horn has no medicinal value, myths and superstitions about rhino horn persist throughout China and Vietnam, where rhino horn is considered a key ingredient of traditional Chinese medicine.

How to help

To learn more about our efforts to help support public awareness activities in Nepal, check out Update from Nepal: A Successful Year of Raising Public Awareness About Rhino Conservation.

We appreciate your help in educating others through sharing our articles, and for your continued support through rhino t-shirt sales.

Image: By Krish Dulal (Own work) via 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.

Authorities hope a new tracker dog will help find rhino killers.

The body of a female rhino from Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary was reportedly found over the weekend, and unsurprisingly, her horn was missing.

Although bullet wounds were not found on the rhino, S.K. Seal Sharma, divisional forest officer of the Guwahati wildlife division, told The Telegraph the incident will be treated as a rhino poaching case by the authorities.

The horn of the rhino was missing but there were no bullet marks on it. However, as the horn is missing this is a case of poaching.

In June 2011, the first rhino in five years was killed at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. A schoolteacher from a neighboring village was arrested; authorities noted that the tragedy could not have occurred without the cooperation of locals living near the Sanctuary.

Dog on the case

The current Pobitora case marks the first time that a tracker dog has been deployed in Assam.

The dog – a Belgian Malinois named “Jorba” – has been trained to detect wildlife products, including ivory. The breed is used in American and European military and police work.

Jorba is said to have already provided some leads for the forest department.

Earlier this year, The New York Times speculated that a Belgian Malinois was part of the US Navy SEAL raid on Osama Bin Laden’s compound in Pakistan.

Image: Pleple2000, via 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.

World Rhino Day in Nepal!

On September 22^nd, 2011, World Rhino Day was celebrated for the first time in Nepal.

The historic event was covered by local TV, radio (Nepal and South Africa), local newspapers, and social media.

Team leader and founder of Partnership for Rhino Conservation (PARC/Nepal) Suman Bhattarai, spoke to journalists, stakeholders and other parties about World Rhino Day – and the need to protect rhinos.

He explained that rhinos are under threat globally because of myths about rhino horn.

The misconception and mystical belief about rhino horn is the main cause for rhino poaching.

In addition to promo clips leading up to World Rhino Day, the program was broadcast live through Beso Channel, and on three radio stations, then aired again several times.

Chitwan’s online news portal, Chitwan Khabar, also featured World Rhino Day on the website.

Mr. Bhattarai was interviewed by Synergy FM in Nepal, and Jacaranda FM in South Africa.

A total of 20 World Rhino Day posters with hangers and frame were distributed to Chitwan National Park, Bufferzone Council, Bufferzone User Committees, Anti-poaching groups, Terai Arc Landscape Programme office, and members of the local media.

Another presentation was given by representatives of local institutions, who highlighted existing dangers to rhinos, and the possible role of local communities to overcome these threats.

It was chaired by the president of Mrigakunja User Committee and facilitated by the President of Community Based Geographical Information System Center Nepal. Participants included President of Bauchhouli VDC, Officer of TAL/WWF, Chairman of Anti-poaching Group, and the Hotel Association/Nepal.

This local presentation was organized by the Chitwan National Park Bufferzone Mrigakunja User Committee, Community Based Geographical Information System Center Nepal, Sauraha, and the Anti-Poaching Group (Bufferzone of Chitwan National Park).

World Rhino Day in Nepal was also supported by Saving Rhinos and Asian Rhino Project.

Partnership for Rhino Conservation, Nepal

We have been working with Suman Bhattarai and his grassroots organization Partnership for Rhino Conservation (PARC/Nepal) since June 2009. Under Suman’s guidance, PARC focuses on helping the residents of Chitwan National Park’s buffer zone live side-by-side with the greater one-horned rhino.

We assist Suman with promoting PARC’s efforts on our social media platforms and also with support from our t-shirt sales.

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.

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.

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.

Website - Twitter - Facebook - More Posts

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.

Website - Twitter - Facebook - More Posts

See Rhino Horn is Not Medicine for more information.