The UK Government has banned the export of all rhino horns, expect in exceptional circumstances Click image to enlarge © TRAFFIC UK, 16 September 2010—Applications to export rhinoceros horns from the UK will be refused, except in exceptional circumstances, the UK Government announced today.
The move follows a worrying increase in the number of horn products being sold through UK auction houses.
Evidence suggests rhino horn and horn products are being imported from across Europe for re-sale in the UK, a trade driven by the higher prices that can be realised in the UK market.
Once sold these products are often re-exported, typically to East Asia where powdered rhino horn is in high demand for medicinal purposes.
In 2009, 122 rhinos were poached in South Africa—the highest level for two decades. But already this year, 190 rhinos have been poached in the country The increase is believed to be due to the rising demand for horn in Asia, especially from Viet Nam.
Richard Benyon, Minister for the Natural Environment and Fisheries, said:
“I am extremely concerned about the increase in the number of rhinoceros horn products being sold through UK auction houses. We believe this is providing a financial incentive for poachers and encouraging the use of rhinoceros horns in Asian medicine.
John Hounslow, Head of Animal Health’s Wildlife Licensing Team, said:
“There is evidence that comparatively poor examples of taxidermy containing rhino horn have been selling for £40,000–£50,000 far exceeding their worth as art objects.
“To protect wild rhino populations it is important that future applications for the export of rhinoceros horn, with a small number of notable exceptions, are refused.
“This decision is based on evidence that such applications, if approved, could potentially fuel demand for rhino horn, which may lead directly to an increase in poaching.”
Animal Health will be contacting all auction houses and major antique trade associations in the UK to highlight the implications of trading rhino horn, and explain why most applications to export such items will be refused.
Animal Health’s parent department, Defra, will make the case with the appropriate EU committee to help ensure that a co-ordinated EU approach to the problem is agreed.
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