SA aims to lift ban on rhino-horn trade, sets target within 80 characters

South Africa is home to 79% of the world’s rhino population. (Martin Harvey).

South Africa aims to come up with a plan by the end of 2030 to end the ban on trading rhino horns. The proposal is controversial because poaching of the animals for their horns has decimated populations across Africa. The horns are ground into powder and sold in east Asia, where they are falsely believed to cure cancer and other ailments. South Africa, where 79% of the world’s rhinos live, said it aims to come up with a plan by the end of 2030 to dismantle an almost half-century ban on trading the endangered animals’ horns. The proposal has raised concerns due to the detrimental impact of poaching on rhino populations. Despite efforts to protect the rhinos, the illegal trade in their horns continues to pose a threat to their survival. The plan is now open for public comment for 30 days, allowing stakeholders to provide input on the proposed strategy.