East Africa: High Price of Rhino Horn Fuels Poaching

Asha Muktar

23 September 2011

The high monetary value of rhino horns in the world has resulted in increased poaching in Kenya. In Laikipia county, eight rhinos have been felled by poachers this year with Ol Pejeta Conservancy losing the highest number. As the world marked World Rhino Day yesterday, the conservancy taught the community around the ranch and other stakeholders how to stop poaching and the illegal trade in rhino horns under this year's theme "debunk the myths and diminish demand".

According to Ol Pejeta Chief Conservation Officer Martin Mulama Ikg of rhino horn is sold for Sh1 million. Mulama added that the penalties for the crime cannot be compared with the amount the poachers make. "Rhino horn is made of the same substance as our fingernails and has no medicinal value whatsoever, so what people say is a myth and not fact," he said.

Ol Pejeta lost five rhinos by July with one of female losing its calf as it was pregnant when it was killed. "It is sad that offences related to endangered species will result in a fine of not less than half a million or an imprisonment of not less that 12 months. Is this enough of a deterrent when poachers are currently being paid ShI million?" posed Richard Vigne, Chief Executive Officer Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

Poachers have been targeting mainly black rhino horns than the white as they are believed to have medicinal value in Asian countries and making ornaments for the rich people in Yemen and Middle East countries. Kenya has total of 600 black rhinos with nearly half of them found in private ranches. Early this year, a rhino was wounded by poachers at Ol jogi ranch in Laikipia North district. Several suspects were arrested by Kenya Wildlife Service officers in Dol Dol town by were later released due to lack of evidence