University of Oxford and Fudan University, Shanghai scientists published results of successful creation of fake rhino horn in Scientific Reports earlier in November. The scientists replicated rhino horn by gluing together horse hairs with a mixture of regenerated silk. The fake horn has the look and feel of real rhino horn while maintaining a similar molecular composition.

Horses and rhinos are both odd-toed ungulates and share a genetic history. The relationship between the species provided the reasoning for the scientists choosing horse hair as the substitute. Rhino horns are made of keratin filaments which are similar in composition to horsetail hairs.

While the study confirms the team was successful in mimicking the structure of rhino horn, the team’s comments on the effectiveness of fake rhino horn in deterring poaching are not based in science and demonstrate a lack of understanding of the situation.

Fritz Vollrath, a co-lead author of the study, stated “We leave it to others to develop this technology further with the aim to confuse the trade, depress prices and thus support rhino conservation.” Confusing the horn trade and depressing prices have not been shown to reduce the demand of rhino horn and, thus, support rhino conservation. It is also worth noting Vollrath’s statement alluded to the fact the study was only on the effectiveness of creating fake rhino horn, not the effectiveness of fake rhino horn in reducing poaching.

We’ve already seen confusing the trade by providing a fake alternative doesn’t reduce poaching. Water buffalo horn has long been used as a substitute for the real thing in the black market. TRAFFIC points out all this does is pressure wealthy consumers to buy from sellers they trust will provide the real rhino horn. Demand doesn’t go away, the avenue for obtaining horn just changes.

The way rhino horns are distributed brings up another issue with flooding the market with fake rhino horn. It becomes much easier for smugglers and dealers to claim they thought their product was “fake” and, therefore, legal to sell. Having fake rhino horn in the market provides another avenue to sell real rhino horn.

The EU allows for unrestricted trade of ivory dated to pre-1947 and dated between 1947-1990 with proper certification. However, a study done by Avaaz and Oxford University showed most of the ivory sold in the EU is illegal. It’s clear allowing partial trade provides an avenue for exploitation.

Pembient, a United States based startup company, made headlines a few years ago when they announced they were planning to manufacture fake rhino horn powder to meet the demands of traditional Chinese medicine. However, the company soon learned there was no place for them in the market since it was already crowded with fake water buffalo horn powders. They shifted their direction to develop full-sized horns to break into the carving market.

Reducing the cost of rhino horn by flooding the market with fakes is another flawed idea. As the TRAFFIC report points out, consumers will still want the real thing and will be willing to pay for it. A study done on rhino horn economics pointed out high demand was due to increased wealth on the consumer side. Price did not significantly impact demand leading to the conclusion steps should be taken to change consumer attitudes.

Humane Society International (HSI) claims their targeted campaigns in Viet Nam resulted in decreased rhino horn demand. Other agencies doubt the validity of HSI’s claims but there is no denying targeted campaigns can help reduce wildlife trafficking in Asia.

Shark fin soup consumption declined significantly in China after Yao Ming, former basketball player and current celebrity, became the face of targeted ad campaigns. Public opinion shifted greatly not only because information became readily available about the plight of sharks but also because it was presented by someone the general public revered.

The development of fake rhino horn is a novel scientific feat. Other scientists can build upon what was learned from this most recent group and discover new applications in different areas. However, evidence does not suggest this innovation will help the future survival of rhinos.

Strengthening bans on trade and shifting consumer attitudes seem to be the path forward. We know ivory poaching increased after the 2008 legal “one-off” sale. Let’s learn from our past instead of inventing novel ways to repeat our mistakes.