Rhinoceros are killed by humans for their horns, which are bought and sold on the black market, and which are used by some cultures for ornamental or (largely pseudo-scientific) medicinal purposes. The horns are made of keratin, the same type of protein that makes up hair and fingernails.Powdered rhino horn is believed by some to be a love potion, so thousands of rhinos have been slaughtered and most kinds are now endangered species.Four of the five species of rhinoceros are in danger of extinction in the wild, due mostly to illegal trade in rhino horn and increasingly, to habitat loss. If not for conservation efforts, there would be no wild rhinos alive today.
If we want this animal to survive we need to start farming it. That's right - big, privately run ranches must be created, rhinos raised and their horns harvested. Don't worry, I'm not talking about slaughtering them: rhino horn is made of the same stuff as your fingernails, you can cut it off and the damn thing will even grow back - it's a sustainable resource.
Give the consumers what they want, flood the market, bring down the price, regulate the industry and we'll finally be able to save the rhino. If we don't, the only place our kids will see these animals will be in museums.
Saving Rhinos is dedicated to raising public awareness about the illegal rhino horn trade and exposing the truth behind this gruesome international business.Local educational community organizations who are working to increase support for rhino conservation can make a real difference.
Ten Good Reasons to save Rhinos...
1. Rhinos are critically endangered
2. Rhinos have been around for 50 million years
3. Humans have caused the drastic decline in numbers
4. Rhinos are an umbrella species
When protecting and managing a rhino population, rangers and scientists take in account all the other species interacting with rhinos and those sharing the same habitat. When rhinos are protected, many other species are too; not only mammals but also birds, reptiles, fish and insects as well as plants.
5. Rhinos are charismatic mega-herbivores!
By focusing on a well-known animal such as a rhino (or, to use the jargon, a charismatic mega-herbivore), we can raise more money and consequently support more conservation programmes benefiting animal and plant species sharing their habitat.
6. Rhinos attract visitors and tourists
Rhinos are the second-biggest living land mammals after the elephants. Together with lion, giraffe, chimpanzee and polar bear, the rhino is one of the most popular species with zoo visitors. In the wild, rhinos attract tourists who bring money to national parks and local communities. They are one of the “Big Five”, along with lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo.
7. In situ conservation programmes need our help
Protecting and managing a rhino population is a real challenge that costs energy and money. Rhino-range countries need our financial support, and benefit from shared expertise and exchange of ideas.
8. Money funds effective conservation programmes that save rhinos
We know that conservation efforts save species. The Southern white rhino would not exist today if it were not for the work of a few determined people, who brought together the 200 or so individuals surviving, for a managed breeding and re-introduction programme. Today, there are some 17,500 Southern white rhinos.
9. Many people don’t know that rhinos are critically endangered
10. We all have an opportunity to get involved!You can help us raise awareness of the plight of the rhino! The more we do all together, the more people will learn about rhinos and the more field projects we will be able to support. There are lots of fundraising ideas scattered in the 'Support us' section, as well as ways to donate directly to Save the Rhino. And there are rhino-themed games and puzzles in the 'Rhino info' section! | |
prepared by,
Azizatul :D
Shahirah :)
Iqffa :D
Balqis :)
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