Schools participating in Whale Coast Conservation’s Eco-Schools programme have taken up the challenge of making a difference in rhino conservation. Sheraine van Wyk, Environmental Learning Manager at Whale Coast Conservation, is engaging with learners about the threat to South Africa’s rhinos. She explains: The greatest demand for rhino horn comes from China and Vietnam. Some believe that powdered horn has healing powers. Others acquire & display the horn as a status symbol in their homes. CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) banned the trade of rhino horn in an attempt to save the rhino from extinction a number of years ago, but recently the resultant decrease in horn supply has pushed up the black market price of the horn. This is very unfortunate as sophisticated criminal syndicates have become involved in ‘stealing’ rhino horn by poaching the animal in other countries. The cruel result is that often a drugged animal’s face is hacked away to extract the horn. The surviving rhinos are mostly euthanized as their injuries are so evere. Many rhino calves are orphaned and traumatised by the poaching experience and if not handled very carefully, will die too.
Contents
Rhino Project Summary
Lets Learn More About Rhinos Presentation
Rhino Eco Stars Competition
Rhino Ambassador Eco Schools Flier
POACHED – The Tragic Story of Geza the Rhino
10 Strategies to Save the Rhino
Born Free – Rhino day
EWT action outline
Exploring rhino horn use
Hanks Notice
Rhinos Under Threat Video
