South Africa Sets Target for Resuming Global Rhino-Horn Trade.

South Africa, home to 79% of the world's rhinos, has proposed a plan to lift the ban on trading rhino horns by the end of 2030. The proposal is controversial due to the impact of poaching on rhino populations and the false belief in the medicinal properties of rhino horn in East Asia. The country's environment department will prepare a proposal for resuming trade, which will be subject to criteria related to the sustainability of rhino populations. South Africa argues that legalizing the trade would lower the price of rhino horn and generate revenue for wildlife conservation, while critics believe it would lead to more killings. Despite illegal poaching, the number of southern white rhinos has increased to about 16,000, with 81% residing in South Africa. The population of black rhinos has also tripled since 1992 to around 6,500, with a third in South Africa. The plan is open for public comment for 30 days. [Extracted from the article]