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Saving the Endangered Northern White Rhinoceros: What is the Solution?

By: Sarah Elvin

The white rhinoceros is an endangered species. According to an article by Colin P. Groves, Prithiviraj Fernando, and Jan Robovsky titled The Sixth Rhino: A taxonomic re-assessment of the critically endangered northern white rhinoceros, only twenty individuals remain in Northern Africa, with a few more in local zoos. This paper will primarily focus on the main reason behind the endangerment of rhinoceroses: poaching, which is driven by the significant revenue it generates. Additionally, I will discuss strategies to combat poaching and how, despite these efforts, the white rhinoceros species can still be saved.

In an article by Ian Glenn, Sam M. Ferreira, and Danie Pienaar titled Communication on Rhino Poaching: Precautionary lessons about backfires and boomerangs, various strategies have been employed to deter poachers from killing rhinoceroses. These strategies include “Reactance Theory,” “Descriptive Norms and Injunctive Norms,” “Mis-readings and Counter-readings,” and “Unguarded Talk.”

The first strategy, Reactance Theory, suggests that individuals are more likely to desire something when strongly advised against pursuing it, particularly by an authority figure. Glenn and his colleagues compare this to “forbidden fruit dynamics” seen in age bans and video game censorship, where prohibitions increase the inclination to seek out the forbidden activity (Glenn et al., 2019).

Descriptive norms and injunctive norms help explain why poaching rates remain high. When media coverage highlights that few poachers are being caught, it creates a descriptive norm that encourages more poaching, as many poachers perceive little risk in continuing their illegal activities. This rampant poaching poses significant challenges for organizations like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in their efforts to combat it.

Another strategy contributing to ongoing poaching is “Mis-readings and Counter-readings – NGOs and Messages About Rhino Horn” (Glenn et al., 2019). In Vietnam, where rhino horn is often given as a gift, the endangered status of rhinoceroses actually increases the perceived value of rhino horn among poachers. This indicates that organizations like CITES must be cautious about the messages they convey through the media; for some individuals, knowing that something is nearing extinction can make it even more desirable. Different messages can resonate differently with various audiences. For example, when pregnant women who smoke learn that smoking can lead to lower birth weights, some may choose to smoke more, believing it will help them achieve their desired pregnancy outcome.

The final strategy that can inadvertently increase the killing of rhinoceroses is the idea that “loose lips sink ships”—how official communication relates to the public. Sometimes, news reports that disclose the locations of rhinoceroses killed by poachers unfortunately give poachers a head start in locating more rhinos to target.

That said, these strategies have not entirely hindered progress in reducing poaching. Similar methods were used to save the bison, providing a blueprint for hope that the white rhinoceros species can also be preserved. Just as private reserves were established for bison, there are now guarded areas and security measures surrounding rhinoceroses.

In conclusion, the strategies used to prevent poachers from continuing their activities are not perfect; sometimes, they inadvertently lead to more poaching. However, that does not mean they are ineffective. Preventing a crime like poaching, which has moved to the black market since it became illegal, is challenging because it generates significant revenue and involves many individuals disguising their identities on the internet. This is not a task that can be addressed solely through campaigns; advocates, guards, and police must be physically present to protect the rhinoceroses. Even though the numbers of white rhinoceroses are extremely low, with consistent efforts, the species can be saved.

References

Chanyandura, A., Muposhi, V. K., Gandiwa, E., & Muboko, N. (2021). An analysis of threats, strategies, and opportunities for African rhinoceros conservation. Ecology and Evolution, 11(11), 5892–5910. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7536

Glenn, I., Ferreira, S. M., & Pienaar, D. (2019). Communication on rhino poaching: Precautionary lessons about backfires and boomerangs. South African Journal of Science, 115(3/4), Article 5585. https://doi.org/10.17159/sajs.2019/5585

World Wildlife Fund. (n.d.). Rhino. https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/rhino