Rhino horns are lifelines for survival, not trophies

ON WORLD Rhino Day, it is vital to shed light on the critical importance of rhino horns to the survival of these animals. Far from being mere symbols or commodities, rhino horns are essential biological tools that enable rhinos to interact with their environment, find food and water, defend themselves, and maintain social structures.

Made of keratin – the same protein in human hair and nails – rhino horns are versatile instruments used by rhinos for digging water in dry spells, stripping tree bark, breaking branches for foliage, defending against predators, and establishing dominance within their groups. Each horn is uniquely adapted to support the rhino’s lifestyle and interactions with its surroundings.

The illegal removal of rhino horns through poaching poses a significant threat not only to the species’ survival but also to the rhinos’ ability to perform vital daily functions necessary for their health and social well-being. "People often think the horn is just a trophy or a commodity, but for rhinos, it is a vital tool for survival," says Didi Mahlo, field ranger at Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve.

Rhino poaching is being driven by the demand for rhino horn in Asian countries, particularly China and Vietnam. Rhino horn is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, but is increasingly common in its use as a status symbol to display success and wealth.

Mahlo emphasises that without their horns, rhinos face challenges in accessing food, defending themselves, and interacting with other rhinos. "The horn is central to a rhino’s day-to-day life in the wild. It’s used for foraging, digging for water, and even play between young rhinos. Educating the public about this is critical. When people understand the horn’s real value, it strengthens the case for conservation."

"As we mark World Rhino Day, we hope to remind everyone that conservation is about protecting life, not just objects," adds Mahlo. "Rhinos are part of an ecosystem, and every horn plays a role in that delicate balance. Saving rhinos means saving the natural systems they rely on, and the wildlife communities that surround them."