This new material would not be sold as imitation rhino horn but as a new, valuable substance. The family asked for our assistance in producing this special material, and when something suitable is produced by the factory we contacted in the United Kingdom, we hope the demand for rhino horn will wane further. More efforts to create new materials and to promote their use should be pursued. Regular monitoring to ascertain whether new supplies of rhino horn have been smuggled into Yemen is vital. More undercover work must be carried out on the smuggling routes into and within Yemen for the horn.
Most illicit trade is difficult to control in Yemen.
The main trader had declared five hundred kilos, and the second most important trading family one hundred and sixteen kilos. An inspection had also been carried out. The ministry was looking into means of law enforcement and further inspections. At last there was action. It showed that determined and frequent reminders to Yemen government officials could produce successful results, and that international wildlife organisations have a vital part to play in encouraging development and enforcement of laws.