Confessions of a Rhino Poacher

Summary

This video explores the alarming rise in rhino poaching in South Africa, where the species faces the brink of extinction due to a surge in demand for rhino horn in China and Vietnam. Poverty-stricken communities surrounding Kruger National Park, like those in Zimbabwe, are forced to turn to poaching for survival. The video highlights the complex social and economic dynamics that fuel poaching, portraying the poachers not as mere criminals but as individuals driven by need and circumstance. It also stresses the importance of addressing poverty and the demand from Asia to combat this crisis.

Takeaways

• 😀 In 2015, 1,175 rhinos were killed by poachers in South Africa, with unofficial figures indicating over 450 rhinos were killed in 2016.
• 😀 Rhino poaching has escalated since 2008, pushing the species to the brink of extinction.
• 😀 The rising demand for rhino horn, driven by traditional medicine practices in China and Vietnam, plays a major role in the poaching crisis.
• 😀 Rhino horn is valued in Asian markets for its supposed healing properties, including curing impotence and liver disease.
• 😀 Poverty-stricken villagers near Kruger National Park often turn to poaching as a means of survival due to limited land and resources.
• 😀 The harsh economic conditions in these villages mean that an empty stomach can lead to desperate decisions, including poaching.
• 😀 Poachers are often seen as heroes or 'freedom fighters' in their local communities due to their role in challenging the system and bringing financial relief.
• 😀 Organized crime plays a significant role in rhino poaching, with strong networks and a huge monetary incentive driving the trade.
• 😀 Despite widespread condemnation from the Western world, poaching continues due to the economic need in local villages and the demand from international markets.
• 😀 The South African government's failure to address poverty and the ongoing demand for rhino horn perpetuate the cycle of poaching, leaving no real solution in sight.

Q & A

How many rhinos were killed by poachers in South Africa in 2015?

In 2015, 1,175 rhinos were killed by poachers in South Africa.

What is the unofficial figure for rhino killings in South Africa in 2016?

The unofficial figures for 2016 suggest that over 450 rhinos have been killed in South Africa.

Why has rhino poaching increased since 2008?

Rhino poaching has skyrocketed since 2008, bringing the species to the brink of extinction, driven by increasing demand for rhino horn.

What role does poverty play in rhino poaching?

Poverty in villages surrounding Kruger National Park leads many individuals to engage in poaching as a means of survival, driven by the need to fill empty stomachs.

How is the demand for rhino horn fueled?

The demand for rhino horn is primarily fueled by traditional medicine markets in China and Vietnam, where it is believed to cure a wide range of ailments, including impotence and liver disease.

What is the significance of rhino horn's composition?

Rhino horn has a similar consistency to human fingernails, which is why it is highly sought after in traditional medicine.

Who is Z, and how does his story relate to poaching?

Z is a poacher living in one of the poverty-stricken border towns around Kruger National Park. His actions are driven by the need to survive, with poaching often seen as the only option in these areas.

How does the perspective of Martin Bourman, a conservationist, differ from Western views on poaching?

Martin Bourman emphasizes that poaching is driven by necessity in the poachers' communities. In the local context, poachers are often viewed as 'freedom fighters' who bring about change, rather than simply criminals.

How is rhino poaching organized and why is it lucrative?

Rhino poaching is highly organized and lucrative, driven by the high value of rhino horn. It is part of a larger criminal operation, with many individuals ready to replace arrested poachers.

What impact did poaching have on Junus' family?

Junus, a resident of one of Kruger’s border towns, lost his brother to a poaching incident when he was killed by park rangers. The body was not returned to the family for a funeral, highlighting the tension between poachers and authorities.

What are the two main factors that need to be addressed to reduce rhino poaching in South Africa?

To reduce rhino poaching, the South African government needs to address both the demand for rhino horn, especially in Asia, and the poverty issues that drive people to poach.