Michael Eustace, a respected environmental economist and asset manager, says “the ban in trade in rhino horn has been a dismal failure, pushing the trade underground where it has thrived. Southern Africa could supply the market with 676 horns a year from natural deaths alone. There are also legal stockpiles of over 5, 000 horns. Southern Africa could easily supply the market with 940 horns a year and increase this by 40 horns a year from natural deaths, provided poaching was controlled. In addition, private farmers in South Africa could provide the equivalent of 1, 000 horns, or 4, 000kg a year, by cropping their horns. The horn re-grows at the rate of 0,8kg a year. In theory, Southern Africa could provide the market with 1, 940 horns a year, or more than twice the current demand. To trade internationally, CITES needs to approve a change in the rules, and for that to happen, 66% of the 175 member countries, or 116 countries, need to vote in favor of the change”. Many people believe that if the market is flooded with horn, it will create a bigger market because of cheaper prices. If trade is legalized, it needs to be carefully controlled and regulated. Furthermore, legalizing trade would bring billions of Rands into the country, which could go back into conservation.
Posted on: Mon, 10 Jun 2013 16:28:36 +0000
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