Rhino horn is composed primarily of keratin, the same substance that makes up fingernails and hair. In many eastern countries the rhino horn is sought after on the black market as cultural medicine for ailments as well as an aphrodisiac. There is no scientific evidence that the claims for the benefits of rhino horn are true. These uses for rhino horn are simply the demand spawned by centuries of cultural inaccuracy about traditional uses and benefits. Unfortunately, the rhino are the ones that suffer in the end. Currently the IUCN lists the Black Rhino as critically endangered and the White Rhino as Near Threatened.

In 2010 South Africa lost 333 rhino from poaching incidents. So far in 2011 they have already lost more than 70. While Zimbabwe has not lost nearly that number of rhino from poaching, the population is not nearly as robust as South Africa's. ZPWMA decided in 2010 in an effort to try and protect the remaining animals in National Parks in Zimbabwe they would de-horn the rhino. WHWT assisted by going along on the operation and taking samples from each animal for analysis. We took both a blood and a tissues sample from each animal to analyze its DNA.

Why is this sampling important? The DNA analysis from the samples will tell us for each population in Zimbabwe which rhino are related. Over the years many rhino have been translocated to other areas. The genetics from the DNA analysis will provide us with a broad picture as to the overall relatedness of the remaining animals in National Parks. This will assist ZPWMA in making management decisions as to which animals they might want to move to other areas in an effort to increase genetic variability. An additional benefit of the DNA analysis is that for every animal we now know its genetic makeup. Should any of these animals be poached we will always have their information on file. If rhino horn is confiscated from being sold illegally on the black market, and they want to trace it back, by doing a simple DNA analysis on the horn, we can match it to any of the existing DNA results from the rhino we have tested. This aids in the prosecution of the individuals involved in the supplying the horn.

For more information on the Rhino Situation please click here to read the article in Africa Geographic in March 2011, by Ian Michler