‘I have seen this for the first time’

The authorities of Singapore’s Changi Airport have seized smuggled rhinoceros horns.

what’s going on

According to a joint press release from the National Park Board and air cargo handler agency SATS, authorities seized a record 35.7 kilograms of smuggled white rhino horn, worth an estimated 1.13 million Singapore dollars, or about $870,000 in the United States.

A SATS cargo clearance staff member discovered the horns, which were hidden in a shipment of “furniture fittings” bound for Laos.

The discovery was made on November 8 after a staff member detected a strong odor from the shipment, leading to an inspection by the Singapore Police Force and NParks’ Airport Police Division.

Authorities found 20 pieces of rhino horn and 150 kilograms of other animal parts. Further tests revealed that the horns belonged to a white rhinoceros, a near-threatened species, according to the IUCN Red List.

As reported by The Straits Times, SATS cargo clearance staff member Vengadeswaran Lechumanan described the discovery of the rhino horn to the media.

“When they opened the box, [it was] Very stinky,” Vengedeswaran said.[I couldn’t] Stand next to the box. This is the first time I’ve seen anything like this.”

Why is widespread control of rhino horn a concern?

All rhino species are protected, and efforts are being made to protect them from threats such as poaching and illegal trade.

International treaties such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora prohibit trade in rhinos and their parts. This is an ongoing effort to preserve the future viability of all rhino species.

Before being designated a protected species, the rhino population saw a significant decline for decades. While some rhino species have experienced population resurgence, other species, such as the black rhino, are still facing potential extinction.

But there is hope. In Indonesia, Kambas National Park welcomed the birth of the Sumatran rhinoceros, a critically endangered species. In Kenya, 21 black rhinos were released into their “rightful habitat” for the first time in 50 years.

“Illegal wildlife trade threatens the survival of endangered species, habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity worldwide,” said Dr Anna Wong, senior director of wildlife trade at the National Parks Board.

“As a signatory to CITES, Singapore is committed to international efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade to secure the long-term survival of these animals.”

What about illegal wildlife trade operations?

Illegal wildlife trade is a major contributor to global biodiversity loss, pushing countless species toward extinction. This can disrupt established ecosystems and introduce invasive species that further damage native species.

“NParks takes a multi-pronged approach to enforcement against illegal wildlife trade,” added Wong. “This includes conducting training with agencies and partners such as SATS to conduct checks at our border checkpoints, as well as to enhance skills and share expertise with counterparts to detect smuggled wildlife and wildlife products.”

An effective way to reduce the impact of illegal wildlife trade is to reduce the demand for illegal wildlife products, especially those derived from threatened and endangered species. These products include ivory, exotic skins and parts used in some traditional medicines.

“We also urge the public to play their part by not buying wildlife parts and products,” Wong said.

Receive TCD’s free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices — and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD’s exclusive Rewards Club.