Rhino Horn is NOT Medicine » white rhino

Cute Baby Rhinos Squeaking and Squealing [Video]

Rhishja Cota-Larson — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 16:15:22 +0000

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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Get a Gorgeous 2012 Rhino Calendar and Help Protect African Rhinos

Rhishja Cota-Larson — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 23:22:52 +0000

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

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Updated Rhino Species Fact Sheets

Rhishja Cota-Larson — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 02:21:36 +0000

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

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

Image: © Saving Rhinos LLC

Rhishja Cota-Larson

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The Wild and Wonderful Rhino-Shaped Chair

Rhishja Cota-Larson — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 02:01:01 +0000

Absolutely stunning!

Artist Maximo Riera has created an incredible piece: An exquisitely detailed chair in the shape of a rhino.

The Rhino Chair is part of “The Animal Chair Collection” which includes an octopus, walrus, lion, beetle, and whale. (View all of them here.)

Each piece begins with the artist’s sketch of the animal, which is turned into a three-dimensional digital image. Using a computer and “mechanized sculpting tools”, the end result is a precise, compressed foam replica of the animal. This is sanded and painted by hand to form the back of the chair.

According to the artist: “Because of its superlative size and presence, The Rhino Chair is considered more like a throne than a regular chair. There is not a better animal than the Rhino to reflect nature’s capacity and mightiness.”

“Each creation retains the animal’s natural vitality whilst being totally biological accurate in their appearance. This collection is homage to these animals and the whole animal kingdom which inhabits our planet, as an attempt to reflect and capture the beauty of nature in each living thing.” – Maximo Riera, Artist.

The chairs are a Limited Edition and prices are by request only. Please see Maximo Riera’s website for additional information.

Photos courtesy & © Maximo Riera

Rhishja Cota-Larson

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Thai Rhino Horn Trader Arrested, Linked to Trophy Hunts in South Africa

Rhishja Cota-Larson — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 16:48:08 +0000

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.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Rhishja Cota-Larson

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Celebrity Rhino ‘Max’ Murdered in Kenya

Rhishja Cota-Larson — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 23:59:25 +0000

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

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Update: No Bullet Wounds on Dehorned Rhino Found in Namibia

Rhishja Cota-Larson — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 22:41:03 +0000

Namibia remains relatively unscathed by the scourge.

Namibian authorities have determined that a rhino found dead with both horns removed was not the victim of foul play.

The missing horns prompted an investigation after the rhino’s carcass was discovered at the Wabi Game Lodge.

However, Namibia’s Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula said via The Namibian that the rhino had not been killed for the horns.

No bullet wounds were found on the carcass. It was an old animal, it might have died from natural causes.

Unfortunately, the horns are likely to have entered the illegal market already.

Despite 200 rhinos killed this year in neighboring South Africa, there was just one suspected case in Namibia in 2010.

Rhino hotline

In May 2011, Namibia’s Minister of Environment and Tourism, Hon Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, launched a new SMS hotline.

The public is advised to call 55555 if any unusual activities are noticed.

Illegal rhino horn

Rhinos are still being killed with alarming frequency, due to the demand for illegal rhino horn, a sought-after ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine.

However, rhino horn’s alleged efficacy is based on a myth, as scientific analysis has determined that rhino horn is of no medicinal value.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Rhishja Cota-Larson

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Got Rhino Photos? Enter the IRKA-IRF Rhino Photo Contest and Help Protect African Rhinos

Rhishja Cota-Larson — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 22:09:29 +0000

Show off your gorgeous rhino photos for a great cause!

The International Rhino Keeper Association (IRKA) and International Rhino Foundation (IRF) are holding a rhino photo contest to help raise funds to protect rhinos in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Winning photos will be featured in the IRKA/IRF 2012 Rhino Calendar!

The calendars will be 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

Photo submission deadline and voting

The deadline for photo submissions is July 31^st, 2011. Photos will be posted on the IRKA website by August 8^th, and the top 12 winning photos will be decided by voting through August 29^th, 2011.

Please visit the International Rhino Keeper Association for questions and complete contest guidelines, and to fill out an entry form. Contact irkacalendar (at) gmail (dot) com for further information about the rhino calendar contest.

About IRKA

The International Rhino Keeper Association (IRKA) is dedicated to the sharing of knowledge in relation to the five species of rhinoceros. Information experienced through captive management and through study in the field are both valued as critical to the rhinoceros survival. Connect with IRKA on Facebook®

About IRF

The International Rhino Foundation (IRF) is dedicated to the survival of the world’s rhino species through conservation and research. IRF provides the technical (scientific, educational, administrative) and financial resources necessary to facilitate the conservation of rhinos. Connect with IRF on Facebook®.

Information/logo permissions provided by Sara Wunder, Busch Gardens, Tampa/IRKA Scholarship Chair; Dr. Susie Ellis, IRF

Rhishja Cota-Larson

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Leading Environmental Organization Opposes Bail for Rhino Crimes, Speaks Out on Rhino Horn Medicine Myth

Rhishja Cota-Larson — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 19:20:30 +0000

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

Rhishja Cota-Larson

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South Africa: 2011 Rhino Death Toll Surges to 200

Rhishja Cota-Larson — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 19:04:31 +0000

The slaughter continues unabated.

New figures released today by WWF indicate that South Africa’s rhino crisis is not improving, and appears to be getting worse. Nearly 200 of the country’s iconic pachyderms have been slaughtered during the first half of 2011, thanks to continued use of illegal rhino horn in China and Vietnam.

Rhino horn is a prized ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine, although scientific analysis has shown there are no medicinal properties in rhino horn.

International criminal networks

South Africa’s onslaught is being orchestrated by international criminal networks using helicopters and automatic weapons to wipe out rhinos in nearly every part of the country, from national parks to privately-owned game ranches.

WWF’s African Rhino Programme Coordinator, Dr. Joseph Okori warned that these operations have jeopardized the country’s successful history of rhino conservation.

South Africa is fighting a war against organized crime that risks reversing the outstanding conservation gains it made over the past century.

Of the 200 rhinos killed this year, a whopping 126 of them were gunned down in South Africa’s famed Kruger National Park.

WWF opposed to bail

Dr. Okori further noted that his organization opposes bail for rhino crimes.

Swift prosecutions of wildlife crimes and strict sentences for perpetrators will serve as a deterrent to potential criminals. Poachers should be shown no leniency.

He pointed out that suspects who are out on bail continue to pose a threat to rhinos, and also contribute to delays in court proceedings.

In 2010, 165 people were arrested in South Africa for rhino crimes; four were convicted. So far this year, out of 123 arrests, there have been six convictions. Some cases are still ongoing.

Enforcement needed ‘at both ends’

Besides South Africa’s efforts to get a grip on the rhino crisis, cooperation is needed from rhino horn consumer countries, according to Dr. Tom Milliken of TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network.

Only a concerted international enforcement pincer movement, at both ends of the supply and demand chain, can hope to nip this rhino poaching crisis in the bud.

TRAFFIC’s research revealed that the majority of rhino horn leaving southern Africa is destined for consumer markets in China and Vietnam.

Arrests within wildlife community

In addition to the assault from the East, the rhino crisis is exacerbated by greed from inside South Africa’s borders.

A disconcerting number of arrests have been made within the country’s own wildlife community; the crimes are frequently perpetrated under the cover of South Africa’s legal rhino trade loopholes.

Suspects include professional hunters (and/or their clients), game farmers, veterinarians, and game reserve employees:

February 2011: After killing two rhinos on a legal hunt on a farm in Musina, a pair of Vietnamese nationals were arrested at the Wonderboom Airport in Pretoria when they were found to be in illegal possession of four rhino horns. They had arrived at the airport in a private helicopter belonging to the game farmer. At least one of the smugglers was released on bail.
January 2011: Wildlife veterinarian Dr. Andre Charles Uys was arrested for illegally removing the horns from 15 rhinos in the Maremani Game Reserve, located in Limpopo Province. Uys was released on R10,000 (US $1,416) bail by the Musina Magistrate’s Court.
January 2011: Mossel Bay hunter Christaan Frederik van Wyk was ordered to pay a fine of R30,000 (US $4,246) for illegally shooting a white rhino. The conviction stemmed from a hunting expedition with a Vietnamese client (Nguyen Tien Hoang) in Leshoka Thabang Game Lodge, on April 27th, 2006.
December 2010: An article in Bloomberg noted that South African hunter Peter Thormahlen has had at least two tangles with the law regarding involvement with the illegal rhino horn trade. In the first case, he was said to have paid a “token” fine, and his second case was dismissed.
October 2010: The criminal trial of safari operators George Fletcher and Gert Saaiman, along with professional hunter Frans van Deventer raised hopes that meaningful legal action would be taken against syndicate crimes. However, the case was thrown out by the North Gauteng High Court (the State’s star witness was apparently intimidated into not testifying) .
October 2010: Two KZN Wildlife staff members were arrested at Hlabisa and iMfolozi game reserves, and three KZN wildlife officials were suspended; their disciplinary hearing has been postponed several times.
September 2010: Eleven people, dubbed the “Groenewald gang” and allegedly led by game farmer and safari operator Dawie Groenewald were arrested in Limpopo Province. In addition to Groenewald, the suspects include two veterinarians (Karel Toet and Manie du Plessis), their wives (Sariette Groenewald and Marisa Toet), and at least one professional hunter (Tielman Erasmus). To see the entire list of “Groenewald gang” suspects, click here.

Regarding suspect Dawie Groenewald, Ian Michler of Africa Geographic notes that he is still in operation.

Not only does the man still carry his hunting licences, but the provincial authorities continue to issue him with permits to hunt and move rhino around the country. Bear in mind that magistrates deemed the charges serious enough to set bail at a whopping R1 million. Despite this, he *or* his company has seemingly been issued with at least 12 rhino hunting permits in the last few months, and they have been granted permits on at least 8 occasions to “convey” rhino, not to mention a host of other species.

Dawie Groenewald’s bail amount was reduced earlier this year from R 1 million (USD $147,065) to R 100,000 (USD $14,705) by the Musina magistrate’s court in Limpopo.

The case is expected to resume in September 2011.

Among the litany of charges faced by Groenewald and his henchmen are assault, fraud, corruption, malicious damage to property, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and contravention of the National Environmental Biodiversity Act.

Help raise awareness about the rhino crisis

Want to help? Share this article and 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.

Rhishja Cota-Larson

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See Rhino Horn is Not Medicine for more information.