In my attempt to find an article that was a bit further from politics than usual I came across this current issue. This year, 227 rhinos have been illegally killed. Last year, only 122 were killed. All across the world, trade of rhino horns is banned, but in the black market they are very wealthy. It was very disheartening to learn how much technology has improved the ability for poachers to kill these animals. The poachers use helicopters to fly above the rhinos. They use dart guns to stun and make the rhino unconscious. Then they land, cut off the horn, and leave the rhino to die.
One of the reasons rhino horns is in such high demand is because of the old traditions of African medicine. The rhinos are believed to hold power and within the horn holds healing strength. An issue like this makes you wonder how a modern Africa would not just be beneficial on a humanity global scale, but would also benefit the defenseless animals that share this planet with us.
Not traditional African medicine but traditional Asian medicine. Notice how so many of the poachers were Vietnamese. Globalization! I think this might be a political issue after all.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what kind of punishment the poachers will face, especially since they seem to be of Vietnamese origins.
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