Focus Questions

Rhino trade

Focus Questions 1. Explain what is meant by the following statement: `The rhinos horn may be their main weapon, but it’s also their biggest threat.’ EPISODE 18

2. How much per kilogram can rhino horn be worth on the black market? TH 3. What is rhino horn used for? 26 JUNE 2012 4. What is a poacher? 5. Why have some conservationists been cutting the horns off rhinos? Learning Area 6. What does the wildlife vet compare dehorning rhinos to? Society and Environment 7. What are rhino horns made of? 8. Why do some people want the legalisation of the rhino horn trade? 9. Do you think rhinos should be dehorned? Explain your answer. 10. What are some other solutions to the problem? Post your ideas on the BtN Guestbook. Key learning Students will research the issue of dehorning rhinos as Rhino trade a way to help protect the species. Negotiate with students how many activities they will need to complete from each section.

Remember and understand

 Find five interesting facts about rhinos and draw an illustration for one of the facts.  The following words relate to the rhinoceros. What does each word mean? pachyderm endangered herbivore extinction poach  Show on a map where rhinos are located in the world.  Find out more about a rhinos eyesight, hearing and sense of smell. Write a brief description of each.

Apply and Analyse

 Rhinoceros’ horns are made of keratin fibres – the same material found in hair, fingernails and scales. What do you think the functions of the horn are?

 What other animals are poached for a valuable body part? How has the problem been addressed and could the same approach be taken with the rhinos?

Evaluate and create

 Do you think the idea to dehorn rhinos to reduce the number of poachers killing the animals would work? Are there any other solutions to the problem? Explain your answer to a group of students in your class.

 How many species of rhinos are there and which ones are endangered? Create a creature feature about a species of rhino. Include general information, behaviour, habitat, number in the wild and in captivity.

 Find out the similarities and differences between black and white rhinos. Make a Venn diagram (two overlapping circles) to compare and contrast the two species’.

8 Related Research Links

ABC 730 - Scientists call for legal rhino horn trade http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2012/s3524580.htm

Behind the News – Rhino rap http://www.abc.net.au/btn/story/s2750870.htm

UN Works – Endangered species: Rhinoceros http://www.un.org/works/OLD/environment/animalplanet/rhino.html

Rhino Resource Centre – Rhino species http://www.rhinoresourcecenter.com/species/