National Geographic: Rhinos Still in Critical Danger Despite Small Drop in Poaching Numbers

National Geographic Wildlife Watch reports that the number of rhino killed by poachers in South Africa saw a slight drop last year compared to 2016, but the current rate of killing remains unsustainable. South Africa is home to the majority of the world’s 29,000 rhinos, a critically endangered group that lost 1,028 members of the species last year to poaching.

“While this may look like progress on paper, it's overshadowed by the fact that rhino populations are still in critical danger,” said Jimmiel Mandima, director of program design and partner relations at the African Wildlife Foundation. “A small drop in yearly poaching statistics doesn’t tip the scales against the imminent threat of extinction.”

Demand for rhino horn is driven by Asian markets, specifically in Vietnam. Rhino horn is made out of keratin, the same material that makes up human hair and fingernails, but it is falsely believed to possess medicinal properties. Like ivory, it can also be carved for decorative purposes.

Read the full National Geographic article to learn more about the deadly consequences of the illegal rhino horn trade.