School : Mitchell House College
Grade : 12 G
Subject : Life Science ( Research Task)
Date : 15 August 2014
1. INTRODUCTION
To determine whether people in Polokwane believe that rhino horns have medical benefits and cultural use, a research was conducted using survey sheets and informal interviews. 43 people participated in the survey even though the initial plan was to get 60 people participating. Sample was composed of females and males of ages ranging from 17 to over 60 across all the races. This research is important because people’s culture and beliefs impact on products they buy and use. If people they do not belief in benefits of rhino horn, they will not buy the horn or use it in any way, as a result …show more content…
When rhinos are protected, many other species are too; not only mammals but also birds, reptiles, fish and insects as well as plants.
Wild rhinos may be driven to extinction within the next couple decades if current poaching rates continue.
Rhinos are killed for different reasons. Rhino are mainly killed for their horns. People who have cultural beliefs about rhino horns are the one who buy the horn for those cultural uses.
Cultural uses of rhino horn
In the Middle Eastern country of Yemen, the horn is used for the handles of curved daggers called “jambiya,” which are presented to Yemeni boys at age 12. Jambiya are considered a sign of manhood and devotion to the Muslim religion, and are used for personal defense. In China, the rhino horn is used to make ornaments.
Medicinal uses of rhino horn
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the horn, is shaved or ground into a powder and dissolved in boiling water, and used to treat fever, rheumatism, gout, and other disorders. According to the 16th century Chinese pharmacist Li Shi Chen, the horn could also cure snakebites, hallucinations, typhoid, headaches, carbuncles, vomiting, food poisoning, and “devil …show more content…
Department of Water Affairs Group Age Level of Education
17-35 35-60 60+ Can read & write Matric Tertiary
3
(2females 1male) 10
(8males,2 females) 0 13 of 13
Majority of the people that served as respondents in this study have tertiary education. The majority of the respondents from Department of Water Affairs fall under the age range of 35-60 years old, predominantly males with all of them have tertiary Education.
Males aged 35-60, belief in the power of muti, but are against rhino pouching and do not believe that there are cultural or medicinal use of rhino horn.
Females aged 17-35, do not belief in the power of muti,and are against rhino pouching and do not believe that there are cultural or medicinal use of rhino horn.
Male aged 17-35, do not believe in the power of muti, and are against rhino pouching and do not believe that there are cultural or medicinal use of rhino horn.
La Vita Gym Group Age Level of Education
17-35 35-60 60+ Can read & write Matric Tertiary
8
(4females 4males) 7
(4males,3 females) 0 15 of