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I read recently that there is a plan to flood China with artificial 'rhino horn'. This could destroy the market for real horns and probably clear out the proble
by Avalaxy 7y ago
I read recently that there is a plan to flood China with artificial 'rhino horn'. This could destroy the market for real horns and probably clear out the problem pretty easily. [0]
The other problem, corruption, is harder to tackle. At least in Cambodia, the average wage of a ranger is around $100 per month (and sometimes as low as $30 per month due to budget cuts). When a poacher approaches a ranger and offers $2000 to let them through, it's quite easy to accept that and make 2 years salary in just 1 day. [1]
[0] https://edition.cnn.com/2019/11/08/world/fake-rhino-horn-intl-scli-scn/index.html https://edition.cnn.com/2019/11/08/world/fake-rhino-horn-int...
[1] https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/mar/27/ranger-corruption-impeding-fight-poaching https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/mar/27/ranger-c...
- alexilliamson 7y agoThat's an interesting strategy that I wouldn't have consider it. Do you know of any goods/markets where proliferating fake products has killed demand?
- fredophile 7y agoI don't think they need to actually kill demand. If supply increases enough that the price plummets then acquiring and importing real rhino horn may not be profitable enough for poachers to take the risks.
- TylerE 7y agoI mean, it's China. I'd be shocked if 99% of it isn't already fake. Poachers are not what I'd consider the ethical type, generally - not to mention however many middlemen there are along the way. You probably have better odds of getting pharmaceutical-grade heroin on corner in a bad part of Baltimore.