Dehorning rhinos: an extreme measure to protect them from poaching?

We don’t know whether you’re already familiar with it or not, but dehorning is a practice that helps save hundreds upon hundreds of rhinos from the clutches of poachers. Poaching, in fact, is one of the main causes of death—and therefore a major driver toward the possible extinction—of this species. 
However, dehorning, which involves removing the animal’s horn, is highly controversial because of its visual impact as well as its ethical, ecological, and practical implications. This leads us to ask: is dehorning a controversial choice for saving rhinos from poaching? 

Although it may seem like a drastic solution, in many cases it has proven to be a useful and effective measure for protecting these endangered animals. Let’s take a closer look at the topic in this article!

Rhino dehorning: an extreme measure to protect them from poaching?

Poaching and the value of horns

Let’s start at the beginning. Why do poachers target rhino horns? Rhinos are targeted by poachers because their horns are in high demand on the black market for several purposes. In some Asian cultures, horns are considered valuable ingredients in traditional medicine (although their benefits have still not been scientifically proven). They are also used as status symbols and decorative objects, fueling a highly profitable illegal trade.
Needless to say, the consequences are devastating: in South Africa alone, more than 450 rhinos were killed in 2021. Unfortunately, this figure is just one example of a crisis that continues to threaten the survival of the species despite conservation efforts. Poaching not only endangers rhinos, but also destabilizes entire ecosystems, making increasingly sophisticated preventive measures necessary.

How does dehorning work?

The dehorning procedure is carried out by teams of experts, often with the help of helicopters to survey the area and locate and sedate rhinos in large reserves. Once anesthetized, the animals undergo horn removal using electric saws or, more rarely, manual tools. The cut is made with precision, leaving a safe distance from the base to avoid damage to the underlying tissues, which are rich in nerve endings. The horn is made of keratin rather than bone, and it slowly grows back over time, making it necessary to repeat the procedure every 12–24 months to ensure it remains an effective deterrent. To protect the stump, Stockholm tar is applied, reducing the risk of cracks or infections. Although the procedure is carefully monitored to reduce stress on the animals, the image of a rhino deprived of its horn can be striking and controversial.

The impact on rhinos

You have probably wondered, just as we did: how do rhinos survive without their horns? It’s a fair question to ask! A rhino’s horn plays a fundamental role in the animal’s life. It is used to defend territory, protect calves, dig for water and food, and compete for social dominance. Its removal could therefore affect natural behavior, social hierarchy, and the ability to survive in the wild. To understand the impact of this practice, some interesting studies have been carried out: in Namibia, dehorned black rhinos were monitored and analyzed, and no negative effects were found on reproduction, calf survival, or the animals’ lifespan. In fact, lethal fights between individuals decreased, providing an additional benefit for population conservation.

Dehorning has been shown to reduce the risk of poaching, because it effectively lowers interest in the animals, but it does not eliminate it entirely. Poachers are driven by the high value of horn on the black market, and they may still kill dehorned rhinos to take the small remaining stump, which still retains some commercial value. In addition, in some cases, animals are killed out of revenge or to eliminate individuals already encountered, avoiding the need to track them down again. That is why poaching is so brutal: because it can also be vindictive. 

For this reason, for dehorning to be an effective practice, it must be accompanied by broader conservation measures. Without an integrated approach, dehorning risks being only a temporary solution to a complex problem. 
 

On one of our trips, dedicated to veterinary interventions on South African wildlife, we also learn about the dehorning technique. Take a look at the itinerary for our Conservation Workshop in South Africa.