Why Rhino Horns Are More Valuable Than Gold

Made of Keratin

A rhinoceros horn looks like bone, but it is actually made of keratin. This is the same strong protein found in human hair and fingernails. The horn is not attached to the skull. It grows from the skin on the nose and continues to grow throughout the animal’s life. The structure is solid, not hollow. The center of the horn contains deposits of calcium and melanin, which make it harder and give it protection from the sun. If a horn breaks during a fight or accident, it can slowly grow back.

Why Are They Valuable?

Rhinoceroses are critically endangered because their horns are worth a lot of money. In some parts of Asia, people grind the horns into powder to use as traditional medicine. However, scientists have proven that rhino horn has no medical ability to cure sickness. It provides no more health benefits than chewing on fingernails. Other people buy whole horns to carve into cups or statues as symbols of wealth. Because the demand is high and rhinos are rare, the price of the horn can be higher than the price of gold.

Protection Efforts

Conservationists (people who protect nature) use several methods to save rhinos from poaching (illegal hunting). Park rangers patrol protected areas day and night to guard the herds. In some places, veterinarians safely trim the horns off wild rhinos while the animals sleep. Removing the valuable horn makes the rhino less of a target for poachers. Since the horn is made of keratin, the procedure does not hurt the animal, and the horn eventually grows back.