Rhino Horns

Rhinos have been on Earth for tens of millions of years. They have no natural predator except man, who is driving them to extinction because of the false belief that rhino horn has medicinal properties.

The horn is also a status symbol to display wealth. The horn is carved into jewelry or trinkets. It is one of the most valuable illegally-traded wildlife commodities.

We cannot stand by and allow humans to be the reason rhinos are wiped out.

No Medicinal Properties

The fact is the horn is not medicine – it is made up of keratin with deposits of calcium and melanin and is similar to horse hooves or turtle beaks. You can bite your nails for the same effect as consuming rhino horn.

False Claims

Rhino horns have no medicinal value. People with an illness deserve to spend their money on evidence-based treatments. They do not deserve to have their hope and money stolen away while their disease is left untreated.

Ecotourism & Rhinos

Rhinos are one of the “Big 5” to see on safari and are a popular tourism draw in the Eastern Himalayas. Ecotourism dollars contribute to economic growth and development.

An Umbrella Species

Rhinos are considered an umbrella species – one whose protection indirectly protects many other species that share their habitat. Other species protected when the rhino is protected include elephants, buffalo, small game, and many other animals and plants.

Left to Die

Individual rhinos are valuable in and of themselves and should be protected from suffering. They are maternal creatures whose calves stay with them for up to three years. Poached rhinos are not always killed when their horn is brutally taken. Orphans often witness their mothers poached and stay by their mother’s side as they bleed to death.

Caring for Rhinos

PARCA has built and will continue to build partnerships with conservation groups in Africa, all working with one single goal in mind: to protect these amazing animals and their habitat.

We will continue to build partnerships with people and organizations doing work that includes moving rhinos, caring for victims of poaching and / or their orphans, and supporting rangers and antipoaching missions.

Links to International Crime

Poaching is linked to international crime including money laundering, weapon trafficking, illegal animal trade, biosecurity threats, and human rights abuses. Wildlife products are a source of income for terrorist groups and has been called a major threat to national security.