YGA Journal | Article
World RHino Day
Rising for Rhinos
Charge into the captivating realm of rhinoceroses this World Rhino Day, uncovering their vital ecological role, the perilous challenges posed by habitat loss and poaching, and the collaborative measures imperative for their preservation. Discover how you can make a difference by signing petitions, donating and amplifying awareness in this empowering article!
Article
Published September 22, 2023
Written by Claire Wang
Every year on September 22, wildlife enthusiasts, conservationists, and citizens from all around the world come together to celebrate World Rhino Day. Rhinos, with their imposing size and distinctive horns, are among the most iconic and endangered creatures on our planet. What once was a population of 500,000 rhinos, roaming Africa and Asia in the 20th century, has since dropped to 27,431, according to the World Animal Foundation (check out their article for more information about current statistics). With threats and dangers everywhere, rhinos teeter on the brink of extinction, making this global event a poignant reminder of the importance of these magnificent creatures.
Why is it important?
There are five species of rhino surviving today – Sumatran, Black, White, Greater One-Horned, and Javan. As a keystone species, the survival of rhinos are crucial for many other animals including the ecosystems around them. These megaherbivores can graze grassland for hours, helping to maintain the structure of vegetation by encouraging new growth. This growth helps to feed other herbivores such as elephants, zebras and buffalo. Through grazing certain types of grass, rhinos also increase plant biodiversity which create carbon sinks that absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Not to mention, the decline of the rhino population is a clear indicator that human development must harmonize more effectively with nature.
Threats and Dangers
With an already low reproductive rate, poaching has exacerbated the decline of the rhino population. Due to the high demand for rhino horn, especially in Asia, poaching hit a record high in 2015 with poachers slaughtering at least 1,300 rhinos in Africa alone. Rhino horn trade has been banned under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, however, these horns still end up on illegal markets and are most often grinded up to make traditional medicine in Asian countries. Not to mention, they are increasingly being bought as high-value gifts and flaunted as signs of wealth. In addition, human development has fragmented and degraded landscapes where rhinos live, disrupting their natural habitats.
Positive Action
To support the survival of rhinos, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has taken action in many ways. For example, WWF worked on establishing new populations through translocations (intentional capture and release of the rhinos). In addition, the alliance of organizations, including WWF, Global Wildlife Conservation, International Rhino Foundation, and the National Geographic Society, is collaborating to ensure the protection of rhinos.
How can you help?
World Rhino Day is not just a day to celebrate these incredible creatures but also a call to action. You can help protect these beautiful creatures by signing petitions, contacting an official, donating to organizations that take positive action (like WWF), not buying any rhino horn products, and of course, spreading awareness. Help protect these majestic animals by doing your part.
References
Dinerstein, Eric. “Rhinoceros.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 20 Sept. 2023, www.britannica.com/animal/rhinoceros-mammal.
“Rhino.” WWF, World Wildlife Fund, 2023, www.worldwildlife.org/species/rhino.
“Why Are Rhinos Endangered.” Helping Rhinos, www.helpingrhinos.org/why-are-rhinos-endangered/. Accessed 18 Sept. 2023.
“Why Protect Rhinos?” Born Free, www.bornfree.org.uk/articles/why-protect-rhinos. Accessed 16 Sept. 2023.