Rhinoceros horns across all species have gradually shrunk over the past century and hunting may be the likely cause, scientists believe. The findings, published in the journal People And Nature, are based on an analysis of photos of the creatures from the past 140 years.
The experts from the University of Cambridge said rhino horns are seen as a financial investment, hence the animals are often trophy hunted. The horns are also used in traditional medicines in China and Vietnam.
The researchers believe that shooting rhinos with the longest horns means that only smaller-horned survivors remain. These rhinos are now passing on their smaller traits to future generations.
