Author Archives: Rhishja Cota-Larson


About Rhishja Cota-Larson

Rhishja is the founder of Annamiticus, a nonprofit organization which provides educational information and news about wildlife crime and endangered species. She is the Editor of the blogs Annamiticus, Rhino Horn is Not Medicine, and Project Pangolin, a Producer for the upcoming documentary "The Price", author of the book "Murder, Myths & Medicine", and host of the "Behind the Schemes" podcast. When Rhishja is not blogging about the illegal wildlife trade, she enjoys rocking out to live music.

World Pangolin Day is February 16 #worldpangolinday

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Pangolin by Tikki Hywood Trust

Did you know that World Pangolin Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in February? This year, the special day falls on February 16th  — so be sure to mark your calendar if you haven’t already done so! World Pangolin Day is an opportunity for pangolin enthusiasts to join together in raising awareness about these unique mammals — and their plight. Pangolin numbers are rapidly declining, particularly in Southeast Asia. However, pangolin trafficking is also … Read More

Rhino Crisis Round Up: Killing Spree Continues in South Africa and India

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Black rhino browsing

In less than a month, South Africa and India have lost a combined total of at least thirty-five rhinos to the illegal rhino horn trade. 32 rhinos were killed in South Africa as of January 24th and 13 suspects were arrested for rhino crimes, according to the Department of Environmental Affairs. The country’s rhino death toll reached 668 in 2012. Three rhinos were gunned down in India, including one which was translocated to Manas National … Read More

Rhino Crisis Round Up: The First 10 Days of 2013

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Two white rhinos

During the first ten days of 2013, a total of seven rhinos have already been killed in South Africa and India, while arrests have been made in India, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam. Unfortunately, South Africa’s final body count for 2012 was even higher than expected. The South African Department of Environmental Affairs announced on January 10th, 2013, that a total of 668 rhinos were massacred in the country in 2012. In 2012, the Kruger National … Read More

Rhino Crisis Round Up: South Africa Death Toll At Least 618

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Two white rhinos touching horns together

The number of rhinos killed in South Africa in 2012 has reached a staggering 618, according to a December 10th update from the Department of Environmental Affairs. There have been 257 arrests for rhino crimes this year in South Africa. Earlier this week, the much-anticipated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by South Africa’s Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa, and Vietnam’s Minister of Agricultural and Rural Development, Dr. Cao Duc Phat. While … Read More

Rhino Crisis Round Up: Google Awards $5M to Help Protect Rhinos & More

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Google awards $5M to help fight rhino killing and wildife crime

A new grant from Google’s Global Impact Awards will help WWF deploy innovative technologies — such as “conservation drones” — in the battle to protect rhinos and other endangered species in Africa and Asia. The $5 million will enable WWF to develop an integrated state-of-the-art system to detect and curb wildlife trafficking. Remote aerial survey systems, wildlife tagging technology and ranger patrolling guided by analytical software like the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) will … Read More

Rhino Crisis Round Up: Death Toll Soars to 467 in South Africa & More

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Extreme close up of young white rhino

  The massacre of South Africa’s rhinos continues at a horrifying pace, with 467 killed this year as of October 22nd, according to the Department of Environmental Affairs. Gareth Morgan, Shadow Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, is questioning the decision to withdraw “a dedicated group of police personnel” and a “dedicated helicopter used in anti-poaching operations” from Kruger National Park, where 281 of the 467 rhinos were slaughtered. Apparently top management in the SAPS … Read More

Rhino Crisis Round Up: 430 Rhinos Killed in S Africa & More

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A white rhino and her baby touching noses

South Africa has now lost at least 430 rhinos to the illegal rhino horn trade since the start of 2012, according to figures released by the Department of Environmental Affairs. 258 of the rhinos were killed in Kruger National Park, and 205 people have been arrested this year in South Africa for rhino crimes. India was also hit hard by the scourge, with five rhinos gunned down during a three-day period earlier this week. Two … Read More

World Rhino Day 2012 Round Up

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Extreme close-up of a black rhino

  On September 22nd, the third annual World Rhino Day was celebrated, with over a dozen countries participating this year. World Rhino Day brought NGOs, zoos, rhino sanctuaries, and concerned citizens across the globe together to raise awareness and funds for the five species of rhinoceros — all of which are under threat from the illegal rhino horn trade. World Rhino Day was initiated by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in 2010 and has since … Read More

Rhino Crisis Round Up: Rhinos Killed in India, Kenya & More

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White rhino kicking up mud

India’s Kaziranga National Park has unfortunately lost another rhino, as a female rhino was found dead this week in the park’s Bagori range. PTI reports that “empty shells and a mobile phone” were recovered near the rhinos body; she was at least the tenth rhino killed in India since the start of 2012. In Kenya, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy was hit by the rhino horn scourge, and posted the following on their Facebook page: Two … Read More

Rhino Crisis Round Up: Death Toll Soars to 373 in S Africa & More

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Sepia photo of white rhino with calf

At least 373 rhinos have been killed for their horns in South Africa during the first eight months of 2012, according to the country’s Department of Environmental Affairs. Of the total, 229 were massacred in the famed Kruger National Park. So far this year, 199 people have been arrested in South Africa for rhino crimes. Rhino horns seized The Manila Standard Today reports that a shipment of rhino horns was intercepted by customs officers. Six … Read More