The illicit trade of horns from rhinos is rooted in traditional medicine in Vietnam.
Even though rhino horn trade is banned in Vietnam, the horns can still be found for purchase on the black market- if you know how to and where to look for it.
The Southeast Asian nation is the biggest consumer of rhino horns worldwide and there; the illicit trade is very strong and has led to a poaching crisis in South Africa where thousands of rhinos are being killed.
The government of Vietnam is facing international pressure to cease the crisis before we devastate the population of rhinos beyond the ability to repair.
Removing Consumers of Rhino Horns Isn’t Easy
Putting an end to the rhino horn trade remains challenging- this piece of horn continues being sought after in Vietnam.
The rhino horn powder is considered to be a special ingredient in herbal tonics.
Nowadays, wealthy young businessmen are also raising the demand because of the claims it can help with erectile dysfunction.
Some purchase it because they believe it can cure cancer, others think it will help reduce fever in children, and rich businessman think it’s a health and hangover tonic.
They buy it for their families or as a gift for someone.
Rhinos, a Critically Endangered Species
Unfortunately, rhinos are on the list of Critically Endangered species with less than 28,000 left on the planet.
According to some estimates, at least half million rhinos inhabited Asia and Africa in the beginning of the 20th century.
Rhinos are in danger because of the loss of habitat and overhunting, mostly because of the belief that their horns have healing properties.
Believe it or not, the horns of rhino can cost up to $100,000 per kilo.
If we take into account that most of the horns weigh averagely two to seven pounds each, a poacher can make anywhere between $300,000 and $700,000 from one horn!
These brutal individuals and criminal gangs hunt these poor animals and use tranquilizer guns to slow them down.
Then they cut off their horns and leave them to slowly and painfully die.
Below, there’s a video of a young rhino that’s mourning a mature rhino that may be his father or mother after its horn was poached.
But, be careful the video is upsetting!
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