According to BBC News, the last remaining Javan rhino in Vietman as well as all of mainland Asia was recently killed, likely by poachers. It was also the last of a particular subspecies of Javan rhinos. Less than 50 Javan rhinos remain in the wild, all in Indonesia.
Rhino poaching and the illegal trade in rhino horns are an increasing problem because of growing demand from Asian medicinal markets. Earlier this year, BBC News reported that more than 800 African rhinos have been killed for their horns in the past three years. On the black market, rhino horn can bring over $35,000 per pound. There is concern that continued poaching will undercut efforts taken to protect and stabilize the African black and white rhino populations. To combat the problem, conservationists seek increased cooperation between parties that protect rhinos, including law enforcement.
