Rhinos have been under attack in recent years by rampant poaching. Highly equipped criminal syndicates target their horns, which are highly coveted in southeast Asia for their supposed healing powers.
Rhinos under attack —
Rhinos have been under attack in recent years by rampant poaching. Highly equipped criminal syndicates target their horns, which are highly coveted in southeast Asia for their supposed healing powers.
Cameron Spencer/Getty Images/file
Poaching rates have soared recently in South Africa, home to about 75% of the world's rhinos. Rhino horns are being sold for a top dollar in parts of southeast Asia, where they are believed to cure all kinds of conditions.
Rhinos under attack —
Poaching rates have soared recently in South Africa, home to about 75% of the world's rhinos. Rhino horns are being sold for a top dollar in parts of southeast Asia, where they are believed to cure all kinds of conditions.
aaron tam/AFP/Getty Images/file
To deal with the crisis, South Africa requested permission to launch a once-off legal sale of its stockpiled rhino horn in the hope of quelling poaching.
Rhinos under attack —
To deal with the crisis, South Africa requested permission to launch a once-off legal sale of its stockpiled rhino horn in the hope of quelling poaching.
AFP/Getty Images
A rhino horn and ivory chopsticks and bracelets are all on display at Hong Kong's Customs and Excise Department offices on November 15, 2011, after authorities seized a container shipped from South Africa.
Rhinos under attack —
A rhino horn and ivory chopsticks and bracelets are all on display at Hong Kong's Customs and Excise Department offices on November 15, 2011, after authorities seized a container shipped from South Africa.
AFP/Getty Images