Rhino horns are now injected with toxins designed to harm the human central nervous system in order to stop poaching!

In South Africa, one rhino is killed for its horn every nine hours! The horns are mostly shipped to Vietnam where the are in high demand by wealthy Vietnamese business men. What do they use this critically endangered animal’s horn for? They use it as a drink to overcome a night of over-indulgence! It is also used as a gift to seal business deals.

Even with military style protection, South Africa is struggling to keep poaching at bay and has now reverted to an extreme method to protect the iconic animals. Game reserves are now injecting rhino’s horns with poison to scare of consumer demand.

At the moment the strategy is not yet well known in Vietnam. It would be helpful if there was more public awareness of the risk of ingesting poisoned rhino horn. Because rhino horn consumption is associated with health and strength by all primary user groups, they will be concerned about poisoned rhino horn entering the supply chain.

The toxins used at South African game reserves and game farms have long-term effects on the central nervous system and on brain development. Hopefully, if this strategy becomes known, we could save the rhino from complete extinction in the future.

(Source)