Rhino poaching deaths in South Africa have risen from an average of about 15 in 2008 to 448 in 2011. South African National Parks wildlife veterinary services head Markus Hofmeyr estimates that at current rates, rhinos could go into decline by 2016 and go extinct in the wild by 2050.
Rhino horns are sold to China and Vietnam for use in medicine thought to relieve cancer symptoms. The horns have fetched up to $60,000 on the black market.
The current poaching and illegal trade practices cannot continue at the current rates. Please sign the petition to urge Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa to come to an agreement with China and Vietnam over steps they can take to end rhino slaughter in South Africa.
To: Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa
Rhino poaching deaths in South Africa have risen from an average of about 15 in 2008 to 448 in 2011. South African National Parks wildlife veterinary services head Markus Hofmeyr estimates that at current rates, rhinos could go into decline by 2016 and go extinct in the wild by 2050.
Rhino horns are sold to China and Vietnam for use in medicine thought to relieve cancer symptoms. The horns have fetched up to $60,000 on the black market.
The current poaching and illegal trade practices cannot continue at the current rates. We urge you to promptly come to an agreement with China and Vietnam over steps they can take to end rhino slaughter in South Africa. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider our petition.
