How rhino surveillance has paid off
Tuesday March 16 2021
A Black rhinocerous attempts to get away from an approaching helicopter at a conservancy in Laikipia county. FILE PHOTO | NMG
By KEVIN ROTICH
Summary
Rhinoceros and elephants are the most targeted by poachers for their valuable horns and tusks, which are in high demand in Asian countries such as China.
Africa’s rhino population has been decimated over the decades to feed demand for rhino horn, which, despite being made of the same stuff like hair and fingernails, is prized in East Asia for its perceived medicinal value and as jewelry.
Over the years, frequent poaching saw their population plummet at an alarming rate.