South Africa to Continue Rhino-Horn Trade Ban Despite Increase in Poaching

by
posted on April 24, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
usfws_rhino_hlf.jpg (1)

Hunters and conservationists have seen it proven over and over: When you take away the value of an animal, you take away the landowner's incentive to protect it. Yet a story circulating on Facebook and LinkedIn this weekend cites that the government of South Africa will not be ending the ban on international rhino-horn trade at the 67th meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Johannesburg in September. The story, titled "South Africa's Missed Opportunity to Save the Remaining Rhino in the World," says the government views the ban as a means to end rhino poaching and illegal trade while rhino owners contend it does opposite.

According to Pelham Jones, chairman of the Private Rhino Owners' Association, the banin place since 1977—has not saved a single rhino, fearing poachers will step up efforts to compete for the last remaining rhinos. Similarly, my friend Wiaan van der Linde, South African outfitter, PH and president of Wildlife Ranching South Africa (WRSA), says the decision sends the message that illegal trading is okay but legal trading is not. "We have just supported poaching syndicates because horn is now going to get more expensive and living rhinos will be less expensive. This is the worst day I have experienced since I started ranching.”

Jane Wiltshire, project manager of the RhinoAlive Campaign, says, "We have deprived our parks of a sustainable source of funds from stockpiled horn and natural mortalities," she said. "In addition, private rhino owners, who now own 33 percent of South Africa’s rhino—and receive little help from NGOs and none from governmentwill rethink whether it is worthwhile to put their lives on the line to own rhino."

Clearly, there is a lack of awareness that Africa’s government-run protected areas are under-funded and under-staffed. "Unless there is a massive injection of new funding, rhino poaching will not stop,” reported Dr John Hanks, who has worked with international NGOs and government departments on rhino projects in Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

The sad fact is that despite trade bans, rhinos have become extinct in 20 African countries over the past 25 years. And considering the recent decision by some countries to burn confiscated rhino horn, horn prices and poaching will increase. Dr. Hanks is one of many who support the legal trade alternative, under strictly controlled conditions. Rhinos could pay for their own protection without one animal being killed. Otherwise, one must wonder: What happens to the rhino once private rhino owners abandon their commitment to its conservation?

Latest

BTB 7Mm RUM Lead
BTB 7Mm RUM Lead

Behind the Bullet: 7mm Remington Ultra Magnum

Launching a 160-grain bullet in excess of 3200 fps, the 7mm RUM is among the fastest commercially loaded 7mm cartridges available.

USFWS Debuts 2025-2026 Federal and Junior Duck Stamps

The 2025-2026 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp—commonly known as the Duck Stamp—became available for purchase on June 27, 2025.

Tested: Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpener

Digital Associate Editor walks viewers through the features of the Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpener, the perfect tool for a hunter looking to keep all his knives factory sharp season after season.

Recipe: Green Curried Black Bear

Green curry sauce is an excellent base for simmering bear meat, making it flavorful, tender, and safe to consume. Read on for another instant classic recipe from Brad Fenson.

Coyotes to Competitions: An AR-Build for Accuracy

ARs make great coyote guns. But what would the absolute best coyote rifle look like? Digital Associate Editor David Herman builds his take on the best AR for shooters who like to plug coyotes in the winter, and ring steel all summer long.

Pennsylvania Governor Signs Sunday Hunting Bill

Legislation that will fully repeal Pennsylvania’s Sunday hunting ban was signed into law on July 9.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.