Protecting the rhinoceros. All species, especially the Javan, Sumatran, and black rhinoceroses, are nearly extinct. The growth and spread of the human population has destroyed much of the animal's habitat. Poachers kill rhinoceroses and sell their horns and skin. Many Asian people believe the powdered horn of the rhinoceros has healing qualities and can be used to cure lung and chest illnesses.
Some people believe the horn has magical powers.
Asian people also use the skin, blood, and urine of rhinoceroses to cure illnesses. For all these reasons, thousands of rhinoceroses have been needlessly killed. Laws of many countries and international trade treaties are designed to protect the rhinoceros from poachers. In the African nations of Kenya and Zimbabwe, special teams of rangers are on constant watch over theanimals. Almost all remaining wild rhinoceroses in Zimbabwe have been captured and placed in nature preserves.