i have a customer that recently bought a black ryno mount and wants me to appraise the value. I have never done any appraising and dont know were to start. I know that I am going out on a limb by asking because there are so many variables too look at. Can someone give me a range on what they are worth from the very biggest and best to the smallest and bad taxidermy job. I am going to go look at the piece and try to put something together for him. Thanks for any help.
Ryan
Return to Gamehead Taxidermy Category Menu
mis spelled like most words i type
rhino? Black are the endangered ones, aren't they?
I dont know but i have looked at referance of both black and regular and it is a black
Ryan, I'd suggest the FIRST thing you do is find out if it's actually legal to possess. In the US, you're on a short string and you might not even want to be in the same county as the "owner" of this thing. Next you need to know there are no "regular" rhino's. There is the White (which has been loosely named from a misinterpretation of Swahli with means "wide mouth") and the black. (There is a Sumatran rhino, but I know that's ones taboo.
Next, you need to understand that taxidermy appraisals are under fire from animal rights groups with friends in high places. In order to get a realistic idea of an appraisal, you're going to have to go MUCH higher than this forum probably. I know Larry Blomquist has worked in that area some. Stephen Rogers might have a few people in mind as well. There's the guys at Animal Artistry and maybe even SCI to think about as well.
"Endangers species liste"...
Thanks for your mighty wisdom George. That is also what i thought but i wanted to hear some opinions on the subject. I will contact the gentelman and make sure that my name is not assocated with it. Thanks again
Ryan
You really need to find out if it is a Black or White Rhino, it is probably a White. Whte Rhinos are hunted in a few countries in Africa now, mostly South Africa. Black Rhino has been VERY indangered but is on the up swing. Breeders in Africa have had some good sucess with their herds over the past 15 years with the Blacks. There is a number of very old Black Rhinos the are surley going to die of old age and the breeders have petitioned the goverments for permits so they can harvest a few of these very old animals that are surley going to die of old age soon. This year, 2006 is the first year since the 60's or so ? that they can be legally hunted. There were 5 permits issued for South Africa and 5 permits for Namibia. I work with some African Safari companies and the company I work with has one of the permits and they started the bidding at $150,000 for the permit. It will most likley go much higher than $150,000.
Personally I would stay away form getting invloved unless you are in your element here. Obviously your playing with the big guns here. Be carefull and do your homework.
Randy
I know that there are some very old Black Rhino mounts floating around out there. It could be this think is ancient and could be legally possessed as it was killed prior to their endangered distinction. Sale of it may be illegal however. Id try contacting the US fish and wildlife service as a start.
good luck
Hugh