The conservation status of rhinos is being threatened again because of the continuous illegal wildlife trade in some countries.
If these animals become extinct, the biological community will experience drastic changes–affecting other species in the ecosystem. The importance of Rhinos also impacts the economic growth and development of the tourism sector which basically creates job opportunities for many locals. In 2015, there is a prediction that African rhinos might probably face extinction by the year 2020 since its “conservation status is endangered.”
This begs to question: has the 2015 prediction already happened?
Recently, the Daily Mail reported that the poaching of wild animals (including rhinos and elephants) continues in spite of this ongoing health pandemic. In fact, it was reported that there were at least six rhinos killed in Southern Africa. This is surprising since the region’s tourism industry was suspended and entering the country is strictly prohibited for non-citizens.
This also means that non-profit groups outside Africa–whose mission is to stop poaching–won’t be able to monitor these illegal activities.
However, not all these cases go unpunished as security units in Botswana apprehended and supposedly killed five suspected poachers this month.
Why does poaching continue to happen?
Although many jobs in Africa rely on national parks, a lot of people still participate in domestic poaching as it pays more and allows them to better provide their families.
Moreover, the founder of a nonprofit organization called Rhino Conservation Botswana told CNBC that these illegal activities because it’s convenient and beneficial to their personal agendas.
“The poachers have been emboldened because the playing field is in their favor and they won’t have as many problems moving around.”
In simple ways, we can inform others about the threats that rhinos are facing by spreading the word on social media. Let’s do our part in helping save these animals!
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