|
|
|
|
| |
| Location: |
Asia |
| Subject: |
Distribution - Reasons for decline |
| Species: |
Asian Rhino Species |
 |
|
Poaching. Poaching still goes on to a very large extent! There is a tendency for people to think that poaching is an insurmountable problem. It is, of course, nothing of the kind, for good management on the part of conservation personnel together with the encouragement they deserve from higher authorities can bring about an entirely satisfactory level of control, as has been shown in southern Africa.
The most appalling drain on the Asiatic rhino population has come through the wanton killing of the animal for its horn, believed by the Chinese and other Asiatic populations to have powerful aphrodisiac properties. The amount of money received for one horn can be more than a lifetime's normal wages of an ordinary worker. The failure by western conservationists to break down these erroneous beliefs may be because we do not understand the correct way to go about the conversion. It is hoped, therefore, that the proper method of halting these flights of imagination will be put into effect by conservationists who live in the East. In view of the importance that is being attached to the rhino horn, I have considered it necessary to add a short paper on its uses which may help towards a better understanding of the problems involved. (see Annex 2.)
Technical Improvement of Firearms
As recently as 175 years ago the rhinoceros was considered invulnerable and the only mammal without enemies. (See Buffon, 1750 and 1804). The improvement of firearms during the last century has now made the rhinoceros one of the easiest of the big game animals to kill.
Increase in Human Population
The explosive increase in human population results in constant demands for increasing farmland. This in turn leads to a considerable reduction of the natural habitat of the rhinoceros with all its implied consequences. Some pessimists say that the increasing human population and what it entails means the inevitable loss of the species. This of course is plain nonsense and entirely overlooks such vital factors in the development of a country as proper planning for recreation and tourism. Selected areas of natural habitat should be set aside in perpetuity as natural reserves and in these the retention of the rhinos presents no problems. There are many examples in Africa of animals and reserves bringing immense revenues to the countries fortunate enough to possess them.
Insufficient Nature Conservation Control
Control in many wild life sanctuaries at the present time is inadequate, largely because insufficient sympathy, understanding, and encouragement are given to the conservation officers. Control is not difficult when it is in the hands of men dedicated to the protection of wild creatures, and men of that caliber come readily to the fore when a wildlife department is being properly administered. There are some who consider that the considerable sums necessary to maintain a sound conservation organization represent money badly spent. Little thought, or regard to the lessons which can be learned from others, is needed to appreciate that few investments result in such great return, much of it often of a quite imponderable nature. In tourism alone it has to be remembered that those who flock to see wildlife in its natural habitat contribute immense sums to other branches of the country's economy during the course of their stay.
|
|
|
Threatened species of rhinoceros in tropical S.E. Asia
File available
details
Original text on this topic: