Why is Rhino Dehorning Important?

Rhino dehorning is incredibly important to the survival of the species as well as preventing poaching.

The process of dehorning for a rhino is similar to a human cutting their nails. Rhino horns are made up of keratin, the same material as fingernails, as long with calcium and melanin. Since a rhino horn grows back within a couple of years, the dehorning process occurs every few years. During the process of dehorning, horns are measured and then cut. About 90% of the horn will be filed, this ensures that the horn will grow back normally. The wildlife vet must use a skilled technique using anesthesia on a rhino can cause risks to its health. Afterwards, the remaining stub is filed and the rhino is sent on its way. The horn is sent to a vault owned by the South African government in an undisclosed location.

Dehorning works extremely well and has reduced rhino poaching dramatically in areas where it has been introduced. Poachers think twice before entering a park now, because there is less to take from the rhino. Though horns are a distinct part of our image of rhinos, dehorning does not impinge on a rhino's ability to survive or mate. Rhinos utilize their bulk and size to protect themselves from predators, even rhinos with horns loose calves or are killed by lions and hyenas. Removing the horn also levels the playing field when rhinos are playing or fighting. Since there is limited research in dehorning, one should recognize that dehorning is not an absolute solution, but a useful tool in rhino conservation.