The Sumatran Rhinocerous is critically endangered. Once numerous throughout Southeast Asia, fewer than 275 remain due to illegal poaching for its horn.
Uses of the rhinoceros's body parts among the local people of Sumatra are documented, such as the use of rhino horns in amulets and a folk-belief that the horns offer some protection against poison.
Hunting the rhino has primarily been driven by a demand for rhino horns with supposedly medicinal properties, claiming to to cure diarrhea, leprosy, tuberculosis, skin diseases and as an aphrodisiac, although traditional Chinese medicine never used it for this purpose.
We ask the Chinese government to discourage the use of rhinoceros horns, providing alternatives to this medicine and make rhinoceros poaching a serious crime and to take a more active role in rhinoceros conservation.
Mr. Xiaosong Zheng
Director General
Ministry of Finance - International Department
Sanlihe Xicheng District
Beijing - 100820
China
Tel: + 8610 6855 1122
Fax: + 8610 6855 1125
EMail: xs.zheng@mof.gov.cn
Ms. Jiandi Ye
Deputy Director
Ministry of Finance
IFI Division III International Department San Li He St. Xichengqu
Beijing - 100820
China
Tel: + 86 10 6855-1171
Fax: + 86 10 6855 1125
EMail: jdye@mof.gov.cn
