WWF has been trying to convince poachers that rhino horns have no medicinal value for some time and now nearly 1,500 rhino horns will be burned in Guwahati, India to illustrate that point.

The seized horns, currently in various treasuries and storing areas across the state, will be burnt next month with the intention of sending a message that India is “fully committed” to rhino conservation.

The message is particularly geared toward poachers and wildlife traders who have hunted the animal for the use of its horn in traditional medicine.

The trading of rhino horns was banned in 1978 and now organizers of the demonstration are trying to dispel the rumours that the horns have any monetary or medicinal value.

The forest department has already informed the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, which is in possession of the maximum stock of confiscated rhino horns, of the decision to burn them and has consulted experts regarding the proper disposal of the ashes afterward.

All of the horns were either seized from poachers and smugglers, or taken from rhinos that died of natural causes.

Bibhab Talukdar, secretary general of wildlife NGO Aaranyak, says the state’s government decision is a “progressive step” in the conservation process and will send a strong message to the international community.

The rhino’s famous horn has been its downfall. Currently, three subspecies of rhino are classified as critically endangered, while the Indian rhino is considered endangered and the white rhino is classified as vulnerable.

By Taylor Turner

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