African Rhinos Sold to the Highest Bidders - and Sentenced to Death

Conservationists and animal rights organizations are outraged at what looks like a potential trend in species management (or mismanagement) of the Southern White Rhino (Ceratotherum simum). 10 of 200 White Rhinos sold at auction last week have already been killed by “trophy hunters.” And earlier this year, Dwesa Nature Reserve sold the right to kill 6 White Rhinos to the highest bidder.

In the case of the Dwesa hunt, the rhinos were killed by Vietnamese clients of African Scent Safaris, which, according to their website offers an “unforgettable African hunting experience.” These patrons had the rhino horns exported to Vietnam, where illegal wildlife trade is active.

Outraged against the last week’s proceedings, Animal Rights Africa is calling for prospective tourists coming to visit the country for the 2010 FIFA World Cup to boycott the Kruger National Park.

• » See also: Mistaken Identity: Hunters Kill Endangered Pygmy Hippo During Pig Hunt!
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The Southern White Rhino: A conservation success story

The Southern White Rhino was considered extinct until 1895, when a small population of less than 100 individuals was discovered in South Africa. Today, thanks to a century of conservation efforts, researchers and concerned individuals (especially in South Africa) Southern White Rhinos have recovered to just over 14,000. This species is classified by IUCN as “Near Threatened.”

Unfortunately, rhino poaching appears to be on the rise in Africa and Asia.

Image source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/scornish/ / CC BY 2.0

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