Rhino Paper Ethics

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mostly in rural areas, are generated to operate the hunting industry. Furthermore, if the rhino is hunted "responsibly" the whole carcass is used and 3,000lbs of meat can be harvested to feed poor villages in the area. Additionally, the biodiversity of the land has a direct increase in value to ecotourism and hunting. Another stakeholder are the local governments regulating the industry. The hunting industry generates millions of dollars, not only in the killing of the animals, but in the selling of farm animals as well. Furthermore, as the poachers get more sophisticated, they have resorted to more violent means in killing government rangers and conservationists that stand in the way. The government’s decision will also affect their reputation in the international spotlight as their is much controversy surrounding the hunting industry and much scrutiny falling on the government.

ANALYSIS:

6. What are the major alternatives that are available?

John Hume can elect to do nothing. Taking a passive approach and staying with the "status-

quo" would still be profitable for Hume. He could forego the protection of the "cantankerous and aggressive" black rhinos, and instead focus on preservation, farming, and hunting of the more gentle white rhino.

On the other hand, Hume could take an active stance to protect the black rhino population. Given the difficult nature of the black rhino, Hume would have to spend resources in properly protecting the rhino not only from poachers, but themselves (as they often fight and kill one another). Furthermore, Hume would be required to approach the issue from a regulatory and legal angle. This would require significant efforts and hurdles through bureaucracy in order to promulgate reforms in international and local governance, regulations, and policy. Areas of change would involve: hunting permits, protection from poaches, as well as the legalization and "benign" trade of horns on the international market.

7 & 8. How does each of the three formal theoretical approaches to ethics (principles, character and consequences) clarify the situation and what does each approach point toward as the right choice?

Principles: Commonly accepted modern principle suggests that, when possible, people should not allow, and certainly not contribute to, the extinction of a species. Supporting life is a basic principle. In this case, Hume’s personal principles, based on his history and practice of “sustainable utilization,” efforts to protect his rhinos from poachers (removing the horns), along with the societal beliefs mentioned above, support the option of taking action to protect the black rhinos. In addition, the basic corporate principle of profit-making might suggest focusing solely on the white rhino as it is more profitable than the black rhino. However, the personal and societal principles could be achieved in this instance without harming Hume’s company, but rather earning him less return on investment, which should not put overwhelming pressure on Hume to focus solely on profits. Consequently, the principle approach supports Hume taking action to protect the black rhinos.

Character: Hume prides himself on being a responsible farmer and businessman and has operated a game reserve built on the premise that animal species should be protected and promoted. He has consistently utilized this model from the 1990s through at least 2011, spending a considerable portion of his post-professional years devoted to a cause that is clearly important to him. Further, as one of the largest ranch owners in South Africa and a rhino advocate (he remains involved with protection efforts and news and has communicated his concerns about the “sad fate” of the black rhinos), he is a high profile player in this arena and is clearly seen as a person whose concern for the rhinos’ well-being is part of his character. Hume’s character and demonstrated track record strongly support the option to take action to protect the black rhinos.