Breaking News!

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/02/us-obama-wildlife-trafficking-idUSBRE96117Y20130702

This fantastic piece of news was released earlier this month. In new legislation, Obama hopes to curb trade in materials such as rhino horn and elephant tusk.

The United States is applauded for its commitment. Following statements regarding the wildlife trade earlier this year by former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, this pragmatic first step will be appreciated by wildlife everywhere. (Go here for more on what Clinton said at the time: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2012/11/200355.htm) 

With connections between major terrorist groups and trafficking finally being acknowledged, it is a hope that support for the program will continue to grow.

While it focuses mainly on African issues with the trade, it is important to remember that most demand comes from the Pan-Asian region. Through educating this community about the "work" they are supporting, we all can play a role in curbing the illegal wildlife trade.

A Sad Day in India

Today, WWF reported the death of a translocated Indian Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros in Manas National Park.

Shot by poachers, who took only her horn, the rhino left behind a 15-day-old calf, a declared conservation miracle at the time. There has been no report regarding the future of the calf.

This event highlights, yet again, the direct link between wildlife trade and the demise of world rhino populations.

This is not the first bad news of the year, however. South Africa reports almost 200 rhino killings in this year alone, a far cry of the total 13 lost only years ago. The Sumatran rhino has seen steep declines, now numbering less than 100 individuals in the wild. And for icing on a terrifying cake, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has officially declared the Western Black Rhino extinct.

Rhino horn has no scientifically-proven medicinal value, but is considered "necessary" by the China Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine. (This is not to devalue traditional medicines, as some are truly effective; it is simply understood to be a major factor in the illegal wildlife trade.)

To learn more, be sure to drop by www.savingrhinos.org
Image courtesy of WWF Global.