Africa's rhino poaching crisis : the role of Vietnam

Abstract

The poaching which accounts for the vast majority of rhinoceros' deaths today and the illegal wildlife trade associated with it is now globally recognised as a very serious crime that is threatening the extinction of many endangered animal species in Africa and Asia. The international lucrative illicit trade in rhino horns is one of those crimes involving the dwindling population of one of the most iconic endangered animals still left in the world. The current rhino poaching crisis that began around 2008, continues despite the fact that the numbers of rhinos have slightly gone down partly due to the local and international criticisms against Vietnam, the most popular destination for illegal rhino horn. The African continent has taken some positive steps towards ameliorating the problem which is very complex, and is bankrolled by global organized crime syndicates. This paper uses a theory of change to investigate the problem, stimulate further debate and prompt local and international actors to take actions aimed at the conservation of rhinos for future generations