Cultural customs vs Conservation...

Every culture has a certain set of beliefs that reflect its history and the way people in this culture view the world.
These beliefs can be either rational or irrational. Most of these irrational beliefs, cannot be explained or proved scientifically, but has been followed by groups for centuries.

Of course, if people want to believe in prayer, acupuncture, gestures, witchcraft, voodoo or consumption as a cure for what ails them, as a good luck charm or just for prosperity and general well being - there is no reason why they shouldn’t, but if animals are being killed to provide nostrums that have been shown to be useless, surely we need to take actions.

But what action is not hypocritical and unfairly judgmental? No laws prevent the German to crisply prepare their Eisbein, although the Muslim believes they’re sacred. The Americans have a Beef Burger Hut on every corner, and again the Indian who believes otherwise have no say. South Africa is well known for Game Biltong, what about all the Springbuck and other game hunted to make this sought after snack, a vegetarians view and opinion on this is not even considered?  

We do not judge these cultures or opinions either way for Pigs, Cows and small game can be bread for these consumers. Why not the same with Rhino? Rhino has proven to breed well in both Game farms and breeding farms, whether privately owned or state property. These animals don’t need to be killed like the other examples but their product can be harvested with no ill effect to the Rhino, and yet we rather prosecute the culture and the user instead of pursuing the obvious problem of the conservation of this unique species and doing anything in our means to protect their existence for our grandchildren to enjoy.

 I do not agree in any way with the Eastern ways and cultures, but my more present concern is our Southern African Rhino – let us focus on their conservation. Support and encourage the Rhino farmer to build up the numbers of these animals in dire need of saving and the authorities to legalize the sustainable harvesting of rhino horn. This will in turn save the lives of our rhino currently being slaughtered for their horn.