RHINO DEHORNING EMERGES AS EFFECTIVE ANTI-POACHING STRATEGY: STUDY

NEWS – A recent international study published in Science reports that dehorning rhinoceroses led to a sharp decline in poaching in African wildlife reserves, offering evidence-based support for a controversial conservation strategy.

HIGHLIGHTS

Background: Rhino Poaching Crisis

• As of 2024, fewer than 28,000 rhinos remain globally (all five species combined).
• Poaching for horns remains the primary threat.
• In the Greater Kruger landscape (South Africa):
  • 1,985 rhinos lost between 2017–2023
  • Despite $74 million spent on patrols, AI cameras, drones, and tracking dogs.
• Rhino horn is trafficked for:
  • Illegal luxury markets
  • Traditional medicine claims (especially in China & Vietnam), despite no scientific basis.
• Illegal trade value (2012–2022): $874 million–$1.13 billion.

What is Rhino Dehorning?

• Humane, non-lethal process:
  • Rhinos are sedated and blindfolded.
  • 90–93% of horn removed above the germinal layer.
  • Horn regrows naturally.
• Horn is made of keratin (same as hair and nails).

Key Findings of the Study

• Data analysed:
  • 11 reserves, 2017–2023
  • 2,284 rhinos dehorned across 8 reserves.
• Results:
  • 75% reduction in poaching compared to pre-dehorning levels.
  • 78% drop in reserves that implemented abrupt dehorning (1–2 months).
  • 95% lower poaching risk for dehorned rhinos vs intact ones.
• Cost-effectiveness:
  • Achieved with just 1.2% of total anti-poaching budgets.
• Methodology:
  • Hierarchical Bayesian regression modelling.

Limits of Conventional Anti-Poaching

• Detection and arrests alone showed limited deterrence.
• Reasons:
  • Corruption and trafficking networks.
  • Weak criminal justice systems enabling repeat offences.

Indian Context & Counterpoint

• Kaziranga National Park:
  • Poaching reduced to 1–2 rhinos in recent years.
  • Success attributed to:
    • Smart patrolling
    • Community participation
• Experts argue dehorning may not be necessary where governance and local engagement are strong.

Way Forward

• Dehorning is not a silver bullet—poachers may still kill for horn remnants.
• However, it is:
  • Evidence-backed
  • Cost-effective
  • Useful as part of a mixed conservation strategy.
• Emphasis needed on:
  • Ranger welfare and training
  • Community inclusion
  • Targeting demand-side illegal markets