A workshop was held in Hanoi on October 22 to expand information to raise awareness of rhino protection and reduce demand for the animal’s horn.

The function was co-organised by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)’s management authority in Vietnam and the Humane Society International.

Teresa Telecky, Director of the Wildlife Department under the Humane Society International, reported that since the beginning of 2013, at least 746 rhinos have been killed for their horn in South Africa , home to most of the world’s rhinos. Many of the horns were transported to Asia, including Vietnam .

Within the past three years, Vietnam along with Mozambique has witnessed the extinction of its rhino community, the organisation added.

Director of the Vietnam CITES Management Authority Do Quang Tung said research shows that rhino horn is composed of keratin and other components that are harmful to human’s health. Thus, information dissemination is important to the reduction of rhino horn demand.

In August this year, the two organisations held a similar workshop with the same purpose. They have also offered courses to train Vietnamese law enforcement bodies in the identification of rhino samples.-VNA