Study: This is how rhinos’ lives change when they lose their horns

Removing black rhino horns to deter poaching has unintended behavioral effects. According to a study by the University of Neuchâtel, rhino territory has decreased by 45 percent after dehorning.

In addition, dehorned rhinoceroses have an average of 37 percent fewer social interactions than their horned counterparts, the researchers wrote in the study published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

However, according to the researchers in the study, it is still unclear what effects the behavioral changes will have on the population of the critically endangered species. The long life cycle of the black rhinoceros (30 to 50 years) requires consideration of longer-term data to deduce reproductive and genetic implications.

According to the study, dehorning actually went hand-in-hand with a reduction in poaching mortality. Species protectors cut off the pachyderms’ horns to protect them from poachers. Because the horns fetch huge prices on the black market.

The researchers estimate black market prices at $65,000 per kilogram – more than diamonds or gold. The number of black rhinos has therefore decreased by about 98 percent since the 1960s. Today there are still about 5500 copies worldwide.

Without horns, the rhinoceroses are not of interest to poachers, so the reasoning goes. According to the research, this anti-poaching measure is becoming increasingly popular. Between 2013 and 2020, the proportion of dehorned black rhinoceroses in the study’s sample increased from 0 percent to 63 percent. According to the study, dehorning is also not associated with increased natural mortality in black rhinoceroses.

These results are based on observations of 368 black rhinoceroses from different populations in South Africa over a 15-year period. (sda)