Environment: Panel to decide on horn trade

SOUTH Africa had set up a panel to study whether to legalise trade in rhino horns, Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa said on Friday. Names of members had yet to be released as the vetting process was still under way, but it would provide proposals on its finding by “at least March”. “Our objective is to try and minimise the demand.” Poachers have killed at least 769 rhinos this year in South Africa. A record 1 004 were slaughtered last year. The horns are prized in China and Vietnam and horn is more valuable by weight than gold. “We’re working with people in Vietnam and China on educational programmes,” she said. Prices for 1kg range from $65 000 (R720 000) to $95 000 in Asia. The department had 1 560kg of horns in its control at the end of March, it said in June. – Bloomberg