The Cut of the Corni dei Rhinocerontia controversial practice and often called a “necessary evil”, proved to be surprisingly effective in contrasting the furtive hunting. According to a recent study published in the magazine Sciencethe removal of the horns led to one 78% reduction in illegal killings in eight reserves in northern South Africa, including the Kruger National Parkwhich hosts about a quarter of the world rhinos.
This strategy, adopted in recent years in over 2,000 specimensconsists in quelling animals and remove the horn – composed of keratinthe same substance of the human nails – in rapid intervention, which lasts less than 10 minutes. The horn naturally regrets in one or two years, but his temporary absence dissuades poacherswho are looking for him for the black market, where he is still requested for his alleged healing effects.
In addition to being effective, the cost of the cut of the horns represents only the1.2% of the total budget intended for the conservation of rhinos, a significantly lower figure than more traditional methods such as Armed patrols, drones or trapping cameraswhich are more needed to detect criminals than to prevent attacks.
Many contraindications
Despite the positive data, the practice. The horn is not only a symbol, but it also has a behavioral function: rhinos use it for defend oneself, mark the territory and, in some species such as black rhinoceros, even for look for food.
Some studies have highlighted changes in movements and social behavior hornless animals, even if on fertility or mortality. For researchers, the cutting of the horns does not represent the definitive solution to the problem of furtive hunting, but a transitional intervention Useful to earn time.
For effective protection of the species they serve Integrated strategieswhich include a better application of the law, support for the ranger and campaigns for reduce international demand of corni. In short, it is a practical compromise, capable of save hundreds of livesbut remains a measure that a structural commitment in the fight against illegal hunting.
