The eyes of the world will be on Assam as it moves forward to publicly burn 1,571 rhino horns in an extraordinary statement of opposition to illegal rhino horn trade.
And the latest from Assam is that the historic event could be taking place within the next few weeks.
Sending a message: Rhino horn has ‘no monetary or medicinal value’
The public burning of just over 1,500 rhino horns is intended to send a serious message to rhino poachers, rhino horn consumers – and anyone else engaging in the illegal rhino horn business – that rhino horn has no monetary or medicinal value.
The Secretary General of wildlife NGO Aaranyak and Asian Rhino Specialist Group chair, Dr. Bibhab Talukdar, approves of the decision as way to show Assam’s full commitment to rhino conservation.
… the decision is a laudable one, as it would send a strong message across the world that rhino horn was not a valuable item as was believed.
Dr. Talukdar also stated earlier that he would like further attention brought to the event by having it filmed.
The whole event of burning of horns should be transparent and videographer.
Assam has indeed shown a commitment to protecting its precious one-horned rhinos: Last month, state Forest Minister Rockybul Hussain distributed 7.5 mm revolvers and 303 rifles to forest officials.
The team at Aaranyak.orgExtraordinary times call for extraordinary measures
Wildlife officials in Assam are to be commended in their bold decision to lead the way.
Decades of conservation efforts are at risk of being undermined by well-funded rhino poaching syndicates that supply illegal rhino horn to the thriving black market in China, where rhino horn is still manufactured into “remedies” by Chinese pharmaceutical companies.
Illegal trade in rhino horn MUST be stopped.
Will you allow this to continue …
Photo credit: Manabjyoti Bora … or will you take a stand?
Rise up and join Assam: Rhino horn has NO monetary or medicinal value – illegal trade in rhino horn MUST be stopped.
Let us hope the world’s remaining rhino range states soon follow Assam’s courageous example.
A special thanks to Assam-based wildlife advocate and conservationist Azam Siddiqui for his guidance and encouragement in this most urgent issue.
Source: The Telegraph, 10 June 2010 and India Blooms News Service, 11 June 2010
Photo #1 via backgroundpictures.org; photo #2 via Aaranyak; photo #3 courtesy of Mr. Manabjyoti Bora