Rhino Horn Is More Expensive Than Gold: The Sad Result

H. A HUFFINGTON POST GRAPHIC Rhino Horn Is More Expensive Than Gold: The Sad Result About 700 rhinos have been poached so far in 2013 in South Africa, and experts predict that number could rise to over 1,000 – a 100 percent increase since 2011. Rhinos are poached for their horns, which are in high demand in some parts of Asia. The horn is ground up into a powder and used to "cure" everything from diabetes to cancer to colds and can sell for up to $100,000 a kilo. RHINO POACHING ON THE RISE In South Africa, 2009-2013 Rhinos killed by poaching I Rhino poaching arrests 704 668 448 333 219 267 232 165 Rhino horn is made up of keratin – the same material as human hair and fingernails. 2010 2011 2012 2013 (as of September 30) MORE THAN ITS WEIGHT IN GOLD 24K gold $42,311.67/kilo Rhino horn $100,000/kilo RHINO POPULATION AND TRADE ROUTES The rhino population in Africa and Asia was just 29,000 in 2013, down from 500,000 at the beginning of the 20th century. South Africa is home to about 80 percent of the world's rhinos. I Country or region involved in rhino horn transit or supply I Country with demand for rhino horn Greater one-horned rhino 3,333 Black rhino In the mid-2000s, a rumor that rhino horn powder had cured a Vietnamese politician's cancer may explain the rise in demand for rhino horn. 5,055 Sumatran rhino <100 Javan rhino 35-45 White rhino 2,500 20,405 Estimated number of rhino horns illegally traded, 2006-2010. MORE PROSPERITY, CANCER IN VIETNAM Vietnam's recent economic growth has meant a rise in both disposable income and cancer diagnoses. 150% 73% 1.0|| 67.8% 70-80% 20-30% The number of million- aires has grown 150% in the last five years. Cancer rates are rising 20-30% a year. 70-80% of cancer patients at Vietnam's four cancer hospitals are diagnosed in late stages. The average for the developing world is 67.8%. Vietnam's cancer mortality rate is 73%, one of the highest in the world. HORN USES Cancer treatment Hangover cure Cure for the common cold Status symbol Party drug Sourdes: The Atlantic, National Geographie, The Guardian, Save The Rhimo, South Affican National Parks, PBS. Gold Price Photos: Getty. THE HUFFINGTON POST