Rhino poaching for use of the horn as an aphrodisiac is reaching epidemic proportions in South Africa, with over 1400 rhinos poached so far, and over 460 so far in 2012 alone. Vietnam is believed to be the main trade destination for illegally poached rhino horn. The South African Dept of the Environment and the Vietnam govt undertook to sign a memorandum of understanding a year ago (see http://mg.co.za/article/2011-09-28-sa-vietnam-team-up-to-thwart-rhino-poachers) to curb poaching. Today the Mail and Guardian reports that Vietnam has failed to sign the memorandum (http://mg.co.za/article/2012-10-18-vietnam-snubs-sa-on-key-rhino-poaching-agreement). We call upon the Govt of Vietnam, which is a signatory to CITES, to honour its commitment and sign the memorandum so that the poaching of this magnificent and threatened animal can be curbed. If the Govt of Vietnam fails to honour its obligations, then we call upon every South African and everyone who has ever spent a wonderful holiday here watching our wildlife to boycott Vietnamese goods and not to travel to Vietnam. Rhinos deserve better than this.

Thanks to Africa Geographic for highlighting this: http://blog.africageographic.com/africa-geographic-blog/conservation/vietnam-doesnt-sign-long-awaited-agreement-on-rhino-poaching-with-sa/