Should We Farm Rhinos?

The state of rhinos around the world is precarious. At worst, rhino species are critically endangered, and even the species with the largest population, the white rhino is still classified as near threatened by IUCN, and their population is declining. Despite protection and education efforts, the threat of poaching for their horn looms large over all species of rhinos. So, where do we go from here? Casey and Sara look at what drives the rhino horn trade and discuss the pros and cons of an outside the box solution--rhino farming. 

Resources for this episode:

World's Largest Rhino Farm in South Africa for Sale--Business Insider

The horns of a dilemma: Ethical questions about legalising rhino horn trade

RHINO HORN CONSUMERS, WHO ARE THEY? | Traffic.org

World Rhino Day 2022: TM Practitioners warned prescribing endangered species is a crime - Wildlife Trade News from TRAFFIC

Former billionaire to auction world's biggest rhino farm after spending his fortune to save the animals - CBS News

Is the rhino horn trade a cartel? Economic analysis suggests it works like one

State of the Rhino

China's Legalization of Domestic Rhino Horn Trade: Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner Perspectives and the Likelihood of Prescription

2,000 'near threatened' white rhinos are up for auction : NPR2,000 'near threatened' white rhinos are up for auction : NPR

Did a Legal Ivory Sale Increase Smuggling and Poaching? | NBER

Legalizing ivory trade won't save elephants, study concludes | Science | AAAS

After legal-ivory experiment, black markets thrive from greater demand, less risk

iucncsg.org - Farming and the Crocodile Industry

Wildlife Poaching and Trafficking: Combating a Source of Terrorist Funding | United States Institute of Peace

Combating rhino horn demand in Vietnam | African Wildlife Foundation

Powers of Persuasion: Conservation Communications, Behavioural Change and Reducing Demand for Illegal Wildlife Products