Rhino's at Risk

Rhinos are considered gracious animals that are mainly found in southern Africa. Both big and bulky they seem quite helpless in the ever pressing reality that faces this species. Rhino poaching has become a serious problem in South Africa and has now caught the eye of environmentalists and government organizations worldwide. For some, these animals are merely a part of an African safari, but for others it holds the cure to many ailments like typhoid, boils, poisoning and hallucinations. Rhino horn has become a vital part of traditional Asian medicine and due to the belief that it holds a medicinal value, rhino horn trading has increased in the black market. Because of the rise in trading, poaching has escalated and leaves South Africa with a daunting reality, that if nothing is done, this beautiful member of “the Big Five” (lions, buffalo, leopards, rhinos and elephants), might soon be extinct.

 

Just last year alone it was found that 668 Rhinos were killed for their horns and left to bleed out and die. Seeing as this number has been rising steadily, the harsh reality that South Africa faces is alarming and needs local and global attention. Humans have played a significant role in the decrease in Rhino populations around the world, and since poaching is still occurring their population is dramatically declining.

 

Your small group of 2-3, are members of a consulting company that has been recruited by Visit Sunny South Africa to develop an area on their tourist website. Visit Sunny SA hosts local safari, hunting and research expeditions that focus on “the Big Five”. They would like to provide more information for their clients about these exotic african animals. This months featured animal is the Rhino in honor of the upcoming World Rhino Day. Due to the complexity of the matter, you will have to highlight various worldviews held by individuals that escalate the dilemma and those who are trying to fight against it. To help you understand the severity of the issue South Africa faces, please watch the video below. Be aware that the video contains some graphic images.