Dwindling Rhino Populations in Zimbabwe | Tunde Folawiyo

April 21, 2014 Editor Africa’s Endangered Primates, Tunde Folawiyo, tunde folawiyo executive, tunde folawiyo film festival, tunde folawiyo london, tunde folawiyo profile

According to recent findings, although the number of rhino poached in Zimbabwe dropped sharply last year, decades of illegal killing have significantly decreased the population of the species in the country. Only 750 within the region remain. Advocates of preservation of endangered species such as Tunde Folawiyo and millions of other proponents of the cause may be eager to learn more of the dangers facing the rhino and how they may assist. Much more can be done to address the dire need to aid Zimbabwe’s rhino population in order to prevent extinction. From cash donations to spreading the word of the dangers of poaching, there are a variety of ways for the public to contribute so that the rhino of Africa will flourish once more.

Between 2007 and 2009, nearly one-quarter of the country’s rhino were slaughtered by organised gangs of poachers amid an upsurge in poaching activity in South African nations. The upsurge is primarily due to a high demand for rhino horn in Asian markets such as Vietnam. The rhino horn is used not only as a “blood purifier” but is also believed to be a cure for serious diseases such as cancer. In China, the use of powdered rhino horn is a traditional remedy for treating fever. Whilst Asian cultures have played a significant role in the renewed demand for rhino horn, black rhino conservation efforts have proved largely successful as black rhino numbers have shown an increase in recent years.

Boasting the world’s fourth largest black rhino population in Africa, after South Africa, Namibia and Kenya, Zimbabwe is home to Hwange National Park, one of Africa’s foremost game reserves. An unnamed wildlife conservation group reported last year that more than 300 elephants and other animals died due to cyanide poisoning by poachers in Hwange, demonstrating the need to protect the grounds and its animals from these such attacks. The incident is believed to be the highest massacre of animals in South Africa in 25 years. Whilst some of the perpetrator were caught and brought to justice, much more can be done to ensure this crime is not repeated. Through the continued support of African citizens such as Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others with a passion for advocating for Africa’s wildlife, the rhino population of Africa may begin to thrive once more. For more information on how to aid in efforts to conserve Africa’s wildlife, visit http://www.awf.org/.

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