Rhino horn is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, but increasingly common is its use as a status symbol to display success and wealth. Poaching is now a threat in all rhino range states, however, as South Africa is home to the majority of rhinos in the world, it is being heavily targeted.
Why are rhino horns so special?
Rhino horn is made up primarily of keratin – a protein found in hair, fingernails, and animal hooves. When carved and polished, horn takes on a translucence and luster that increase as the object ages. In ancient Greece, rhino horn was believed to have the ability to purify water.
Why do white rhinos have horns?
White rhinos have two horns, the foremost more prominent than the other. Rhino horns grow as much as three inches a year, and have been known to grow up to five feet long. Females use their horns to protect their young, while males use them to battle attackers.
Is it illegal to own a rhino horn?
Elephants and rhinoceroses are two of the most majestic creatures on earth, yet sadly, they are currently on the path to extinction. … Currently, only 5 states—California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York and Washington—have banned the purchase, sale, trade and possession with the intention to sell of ivory and rhino horns.
Do rhinos eat people?
A rhinoceroses attacking a human being is a very rare event. … While Black and White Rhinos are more likely to charge a threat, the Indian, Sumatran and Javan of the rhino species are more inclined to run and hide from danger. This is not to say that these latter three species are completely safe to human beings, though.
Are white rhinos aggressive?
The White Rhino is known for being more sociable and placid, while the Black Rhino’s aggressive attacks have been known to occur with no apparent provocation. Males are certainly more aggressive than females across all species of rhino.
Is rhino horn expensive than gold?
For example, rhinoceros horn is more valuable by weight than gold, diamonds or cocaine. A recent report puts the price of rhino horn in Asia at $60,000 per pound. … The number of rhinoceroses poached skyrocketed from 13 per year to 1,004 per year in only 6 years.
Are rhino horns valuable?
Rhino horns, which when ground to a powder are believed by some Vietnamese to have medicinal qualities to cure everything from cancer to a hangover, are particularly lucrative and can fetch up to $60,000 (£48,000) per kilo.