Rhino Horn! This is what all the fuss is about! These horn sections and shavings come from a rhino de-horning exercise to help reduce the risk of poaching against White Rhino in Zululand.

An adult White Rhino cow that had been de-horned 18 months previously, again had her horn removed as part of an ongoing effort to reduce the risk of poaching. This time, her two-year-old calf was also sedated and had its horn carefully removed.

Close inspection of the horn shavings clearly shows the similarity to finger and toe nails. The image also shows just how ludicrous the entire horn trade actually is and highlights that it is driven through an extremely clever marketing campaign by the underworld that then proclaims magical remedies for large amounts of cash! Perhaps one solution could be to start showing just how stupid rhino horn consumers actually are through being duped so easily!

This project is carried out in partnership with the Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA) that provides support, networks and representation for game rangers across Africa. This conservation photography project will use rangers as the “lead characters” to highlight the issues faced by conservationists and showcase opportunities for improved support of rangers in the future. Positive and targeted messages will be communicated that emphasise the critical role that rangers play in African conservation in ensuring that the continent’s natural heritage is preserved for the benefit of future generations. Support Africa’s Rangers by supporting the GRAA.

Peter Chadwick is a Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP) whose mission is to further environmental and cultural conservation through photography. The iLCP’s goal is to use the art of high-quality photography to encourage people to take action in support of tangible and meaningful conservation measures.

Visit African Conservation Photography for a full gallery of Ranger images.