[wanabidii] Newsletter: South Africa Weighs Rhino Horn Trade

AWF Monthly Newsletter

April 2015

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South Africa May Legalize Rhino Horn Trade

The fate of South Africa’s rhinos rests in the hands of a committee tasked with deciding whether rhino horn should become a tradable commodity—a move African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) strongly opposes. South Africa, home to more than 80 percent of the world’s rhinos, lost a total of 1,215 rhinos last year—representing a 21 percent increase over 2013. The 21-person committee will decide if South Africa should submit a proposal to legalize rhino horn trade at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora meeting in Cape Town next year. “We know from the experience with the ivory trade, however, that rhino horn will continue to be trafficked under cover of a legal trade, complicating our efforts to crack down on the illegal trade,” says AWF’s senior director of conservation science, Dr. Philip Muruthi.

> Find out what this could mean for the country’s rhinos

Bright Futures

In rural Democratic Republic of Congo, AWF built a unique school that is synchronous with its jungle environment both in architecture and in curriculum. We held a ceremony to celebrate Ilima Conservation School’s community, its promising pupils and its special place in conservation. “Education is a powerful social investment that can disrupt the cycle of poverty and environmental degradation,” says AWF CEO Patrick Bergin.

> Learn about our newest conservation school


	In 2014, South Africa lost 1,215 rhinos to human greed. Donate today to help AWF curb the black market trade in rhino horn.

“Increasing habitat loss, coupled with a lack of governmentally appointed protected areas, is the silent killer of Africa’s wildlife,” says AWF VP

> Read the rest of her article

Africa consumes just a fraction of the world’s fossil fuels, but it’s expected to bear the brunt of climate change’s negative impacts

> View our infographic to learn the facts

Miraculous Rhino Calf Brings Renewed Hope

A miraculous rhino survives a poaching attempt and lives to give birth to a new generation, bringing hope for Africa’s rhinos

> See baby Hope’s first photos

The world’s second largest tropical rainforest is home to treasured species and 800,000 people—learn how AWF is protecting them all

> Read about the unique Congo Basin

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	Fun Fact The unusual-looking springhare has caused scientists much confusion. It has been grouped with everything from jumping rodents to porcupines until finally being allotted its own family.

At AWF, we believe that protecting Africa's wildlife and wild landscapes is the key to the future prosperity of Africa and its people. For over 50 years, we have made it our work to help ensure that Africa's wild resources endure.