Asia is growing fast economically and demographically which has many consequences in diverse sectors. A surprising one is the definite increase of Horn demands in Asia, mostly in China & Vietnam.
The rhino is being hunted into extinction and could disappear forever unless we act fast. Shocking new statistics show 440 rhinos were brutally killed last year in South Africa alone — a massive increase on five years ago when just 13 had their horns hacked off. European nations could lead the world to a new plan to save these amazing creatures.Fuelling this devastation is a huge spike in demand for rhino horns, used for bogus cancer cures, hangover remedies and good luck charms in China and Vietnam. Protests from South Africa have so far been ignored by the authorities, but Europe has the power to change this by persuading the world’s convention to protect endangered animals to ban all rhino trade — from anywhere, to anywhere — when the countries meet at the next crucial international summit in July 2012.The situation is so dire that the threat has even spread into British zoos who are on red-alert for rhino killing gangs now hunting in the very places built to protect rhinos!
Click here to sign the petition then forward this email widely – when we reach 50,000 signers we’ll set up a huge rhino petition counter in Brussels, the decision-making heart of Europe.
The counter will be updated daily so when EU delegates are deciding their position, they’ll know that people across the world want them to save the rhinos!
The Facts!
One rhino was killed every day in South Africa this January, home to 80% of the world’s remaining rhinos. Horns now have a street value of over $65,000 a kilo — more expensive than gold or platinum. The South African Environment Minister has pledged to take action by putting 150 extra wardens and even an electric fence along the Mozambique border to try and stem the attacks — but the scale of the threat is so severe that global action is required. Unless we act rapidly, we may lose this magnificent and ancient animal species permanently.
In 2010, actions helped to stop the elephant ivory trade from exploding. In 2012, we can do the same for the rhino.
- Few Rhinos Survive Outside Protected Areas (WWF) South Africa record for rhino poaching deaths (BBC) .
- Cure for cancer’ rumour killed off Vietnam’s rhinos (The Guardian) .
- British Zoos on Alert as Rhino Poaching Hits the UK (International Business Times) .
