Interpretation and implementation of the Convention - species trade and conservation: Rhinoceroses

Illegal trade in rhinoceros horn continues to be one of the most structured criminal activities currently faced by CITES. There are clear indications that organized criminal groups are involved in rhinoceros poaching and illegal trade in rhinoceros horn. Some populations of rhinoceroses could be seriously affected by continued high levels of poaching and go into decline if the illegal killing continues to escalate at the current rate, especially in southern Africa.