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The Rhino Horn - Assam takes a Stand!





Ever since I shifted to Assam, it had been a hard time. Almost every other week there is news of a rhino being killed by poachers. Till date, already 5 Rhinos have fallen prey to poachers, 3 of them killed when they had strayed out in search of food or to avoid in-fighting. Last year, 14 Rhinos were killed by the poachers. Although rhinos are of large size and have a reputation of being tough, they are actually very easily poached. Because it visits water holes daily, the rhinoceros is easily killed while taking a drink. The sight of the Rhino carcass, with the horn missing is very demoralising.
But I was delighted to read a special report on the Telegraph dated 23.02.2010. Assam had finally taken a stand. Poachers mainly kill rhinos because of the vague medicinal value of their horns. These horns can easily fetch a few lakhs. Unfortunately even though human beings are supposedly superior to the rhinos in the stages of development, Rhinos know a basic truth which is a myth to the human fraternity. The horn is just a body part, a little different from our nails, but blessed with as much magical powers as them. But spiritual vandalism is the integral part of the human nature and thus, the horn becomes a keeper of magical powers, which can cure many dreaded illness and do great unexplained things! For the fanatic human belief, the Rhino has to pay. Its beauty is definitely its greatest enemy.
According to the report, nearly 1500 rhino horns, lying in different treasuries, will be burnt next month, possibly in the presence of members of international conservation agencies. This should provide a strong message to poachers and insane believers alike that the horn is, with the pun intended, price-less. The horn is not worth anything and neither does it have any magical powers. The Rhino horn is quite different from that of a sheep or antelope because unlike these creatures, the horn is not attached to the skull. It lacks the bony core that is characteristic of bovine animals. In other animals, the horn is composed of a bony core, covered by a thin sheath of keratin. Rhino horn is made entirely of compressed keratin fibres, the same material that is found in fingernails and hair! This study was carried out by Scientists at the Ohio University and they found that the horn contained dense mineral deposits made of calcium and melanin in the middle. According to the study, the calcium deposits make the horn core harder and stronger, and the melanin protects the core from breakdown by the sun’s UV rays. The softer outer portion of the horn weakens with sun exposure and is worn into its distinctive shape through horn clashing and by being rubbed on the ground and vegetation. The structure of the rhino horns is similar to a pencil’s tough lead core and weaker wood periphery, which allows the horns to be honed to a sharp point.
So it is irrational that the rhinoceros horn in powdered form is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, prescribed for fevers and convulsions. Doctors who practice Traditional Chinese Medicine mistakenly see rhinoceros horn as a life-saving medicine. Patients have no idea where these horns come from or what happens to the Rhino which loses its horn. Sadly, all of them die.
To prevent poaching, in certain areas, rhinos have been tranquilized and their horns removed, but this is not the answer to the problem. If this kind of practice is the only solution, very soon leopards will be skin-less, and elephants will have no tusks. Ironically, realisation of the larger section of the human race regarding the wild life is scarce. Humans are not at all compassionate towards the animal race. We sit back, expecting the Forest Department to act and when they fail, we cry treachery! Unfortunately, only the wild life personnel alone cannot save the world’s fauna, we all need to understand our roles here. Unless all the people act as one, the Rhino and its horn are going extinct, separately.
The Rhino horn is precious, and its beauty and genuine value lies where it truly belongs. Just like the Rhino is most beautiful in the wild, its horn is majestic when left intact. I wish to salute the Assam Forest Department for taking a stand and paving the correct path to sanctity. Hopefully, the common man shall follow soon.

Courtesy: The Telegraphy and the World Wide Web.
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