The Toyota FJ43 SUV with hard top, Ref. AK35001 is the first all new plastic kit released by AK-Interactive. The kit is presented in a medium size box and once opened, we are presented with a top-class plastic kit.
Rhinos are one of the most endangered species in the world due to habitat loss, poaching and illegal hunting. There are five species and all five are threatened with extinction, with some being closer to extinction than others.
Grown rhinos do not have any natural predators except humans. The sad truth is that the critical situation of the rhino populations is 100% man-made. The main reason that rhinos are endangered is the poaching for their horns. In many Asian countries, it is still believed that rhino horn is a cure for cancer and can also be used as an aphrodisiac.
The demand for rhino horn is very high. On the international black market, rhino horn costs the same per weight as gold. It's not surprising that illegal poaching continues in Africa and Asia and gets harder and harder to control.
They were once found all over Europe but, today, there are roughly 25.000 rhinos left in Africa, with some subspecies already extinct. In Asia, the situation is even more dramatic. It is estimated that little over 3500 individuals are left in all of Asia and Vietnam announced back in 2011 that there are no rhinos left in the country.
Many organisations are working to protect rhinos and their habitats, including conservation groups, governments, and individuals. Conservation efforts include anti-poaching measures, habitat preservation, and breeding programs in captivity. It is important to continue to support these efforts to help ensure that these magnificent creatures do not become extinct.
My diorama is an alert for this situation, and is also an homage to all the volunteers and organisations that, daily and with a huge effort, try to save rhinos and other wildlife. Scale Modelling can also be a tool for activism.
CONCLUSION
Rhino poaching is a pressing issue that has been affecting the survival of rhino species. Poachers kill these animals for their valuable horns, which are believed to have medicinal properties and are also used for ornamental purposes.