Rhino Horn is NOT Medicine » Ceratotherium simum cottoni

Only Seven Northern White Rhinos Survive After Death of ‘Nesari’

Rhishja Cota-Larson — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 23:13:10 +0000

The world’s Northern white rhino population dwindles to just seven.

One of the world’s last known Northern white rhinos has died at Dvůr Králové Zoo in the Czech Republic. The female rhino named “Nesari” was 39 years old.

Northern white rhinos are believed to be extinct in the wild, and Nesari’s death leaves just seven known survivors.

A lone female, “Nabire”, still resides at Dvůr Králové Zoo, while two are at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (formerly known as San Diego Wild Animal Park).

Read the entire article at White rhino dies in Czech zoo, seven left worldwide.

Dvůr Králové Zoo was home to six Northern white rhinos until December 2009, when Sudan, Suni, Najin, and Fatu were flown to Kenya in hopes of encouraging them to breed.

New hope for Northern white rhinos

In barely more than a year after their historic journey from the Czech Republic to Kenya, romance blossomed and Northern white rhino matings were confirmed.

The first mating was between Fatu and Suni (northern white on northern white). The second mating was Sudan – our oldest northern white male – with Aramiet (southern white female). To see the old boy has still “got it” is hugely encouraging and as we write this, he has his eye set on Taura, another one of the southern white female.

Learn more about Sudan, Suni, Najin, and Fatu:

There is even more Northern white rhino controversy at New Study Finds the Northern White Rhino is Actually a Sixth Rhino Species.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Rhishja Cota-Larson

I am the founder of Saving Rhinos LLC, which publishes news and information about the global rhino crisis. Besides writing Rhino Horn is Not Medicine, I am the author of the book Murder, Myths & Medicine, the Editor of Project Pangolin, and a writer for the environmental news blog Planetsave. When I'm not blogging about the illegal wildlife trade, I like to rock out to live music.

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New Study Finds the Northern White Rhino is Actually a Sixth Rhino Species

Rhishja Cota-Larson — Wed, 05 May 2010 22:52:23 +0000

New information suggests that the Northern white rhino is a distinct species, not a subspecies.

An exciting new study has re-assessed the taxonomy of the Northern white rhino and the Southern white rhino – and found they are actually two distinct species.

Ceratotherium simum and Ceratotherium cottoni

Although the Northern white rhino is currently considered a subspecies of the white rhino, the latest research indicates otherwise.

In a groundbreaking new report The Sixth Rhino: A Taxonomic Re-Assessment of the Critically Endangered Northern White Rhinoceros, researchers Colin P. Groves, Prithiviraj Fernando, and Jan Robovsky found the Northern white rhino to be a genetically distinct species from the Southern white rhino.

On re-assessing the taxonomy of the two forms we find them to be morphologically and genetically distinct, warranting the recognition of the taxa formerly designated as subspecies; Ceratotherium simum simum the southern form and Ceratotherium simum cottoni the northern form, as two distinct species Ceratotherium simum and Ceratotherium cottoni respectively. The recognition of the northern form as a distinct species has profound implications for its conservation.

And world-renowned rhinoceros expert Dr. Kees Rookmaaker noted in the Rhino Resource Center Newsletter:

Hence there are now six species of rhinoceros, the new one known scientifically as Ceratotherium cottoni. This paper clearly shows the importance of taxonomy for policy in conservation.

Dr. Rookmaaker also said via the newsletter that it might even be time to re-name the two species. The Northern white rhino has historically been called “Cotton’s rhino” and the Southern white rhino “Burchell’s rhino”.

Distinguishing differences

In addition to the two rhino species being genetically distinct, the authors found distinguishing differences in the teeth and skulls.

… the two differ absolutely in numerous respects: the skull is readily distinguished, the dentition is somewhat different, they can be differentiated externally apparently without error, there is evidently a fixed difference in a serum enzyme and they are clearly distinguishable genetically in analysis of both mitochondrial and nuclear genomes. Under the Phylogenetic Species Concept (the only objective concept applicable to allopatric forms), we have no option but to consider them specifically distinct.

There is also separation time of over a million years between the Northern white rhino and the Southern white rhino.

Genetic analysis clearly indicates a separation time of over a million years between the two taxa, justifying their recognition as separate species: Ceratotherium simum (Burchell, 1821) and Ceratotherium cottoni (Lydekker, 1908).

The Northern and Southern white rhinos were found to exhibit similar behavior, but a few identifiable physical traits were noted.

Northern white rhinos are smaller than Southern white rhinos
Northern white rhinos have fewer “wrinkles” around the eye than Southern white rhinos
Northern white rhinos have a straighter dorsal profile than Southern white rhinos

The authors conclude their report with a most appropriate thought:

In an age where billions of dollars are poured into saving companies going bankrupt and trillions into wars of arguable provenance, can we not spare a fraction of that to save a unique and charismatic megavertebrate and begin to address our disastrous impact on planet earth?

Illegal killing for rhino horn has reduced the world’s Northern white rhino population to just eight individuals. In December 2009, four of these precious rhinos were famously relocated from a Czech Zoo to Kenya in hopes of stimulating breeding activity and saving the species from extinction.

Learn more about Ceratotherium cottoni

Today’s post is a snapshot of the full report. You can learn more about “The Sixth Rhino” by downloading The Sixth Rhino: A Taxonomic Re-Assessment of the Critically Endangered Northern White Rhinoceros from the Rhino Resource Center.

Photo: Fauna Flora International

Rhishja Cota-Larson

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Northern White Rhinos on NBC ‘Today Show’

Rhishja Cota-Larson — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:07:02 +0000

The fab four – Sudan, Suni, Najin, and Fatu – made an appearance on American television this morning. Here’s the video:

The segment about the Northern white rhinos on NBC’s “Today Show” was too short and watered down (what do you expect – it’s a morning show for mommies), but it was good to see these critically endangered rhinos getting a few moments in the spotlight.

Link the video: http://www.hulu.com/watch/142625/nbc-today-show-saving-white-rhino-from-extinction

Rhishja Cota-Larson

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Online Rhino Quiz Level II: Challenging!

Rhishja Cota-Larson — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 20:24:56 +0000

A brand new online rhino quiz is now available!

Saving Rhinos is pleased to offer another free educational tool – The Rhino Quiz Level II: Challenging!

(Here’s a hint for the Level II quiz: Study up on rhino species!)

Simply click the link below to launch Rhino Quiz Level II:

Rhino Quiz Level II: Challenging

Or try the introductory Rhino Quiz:

Rhino Quiz Level I: Introductory

I hope you enjoy the new quiz!

Please visit the Saving Rhinos website for more educational tools and public awareness materials.

Rhishja Cota-Larson

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4 Northern White Rhinos Arrive Safely in Kenya From Czech Zoo

Rhishja Cota-Larson — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 06:57:33 +0000

Four of the world’s only known eight Northern white rhinos have arrived in Kenya to begin new lives at Ol Pejeta Conservancy – the last hope to save this critically endangered rhino subspecies.

Good news – and a sigh of relief! Sudan, Suni, Najin and Fatu have landed safely in Kenya after being flown from ZOO Dvůr Králové to their new home. The return of the rhinos to Africa is considered the last chance at preserving the genetic material of the Northern white rhino (Ceratotherium simum cottoni), a rhino subspecies poached to extinction in the wild.

Rhino experts believe that the change to the rhinos’ natural environment at Ol Pejeta Conservancy will induce hormonal changes to make the females Najin and Fatu receptive to breeding. Producing hybrid calves with the the more numerous Southern white rhino (Ceratotherium simum simum) is acknowledged as one of the best chances at saving NWR genes. Ongoing AI efforts are also in reportedly in progress.

An elaborate security system at Ol Pejeta Conservancy is in place to protect the four precious rhinos from poachers. The conservancy is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and is also home to a founder population of Southern white rhinos, which produced its first white rhino calf last year.

Without conservation efforts, it is likely that all of the world’s wild rhino populations would be extinct, due to an unfortunate superstition in China – and increasingly, Vietnam – attributing medicinal properties to rhino horn. The horn is made of keratin, and actually contains no medicinal properties. Sadly, illegal trade in rhino horn is rampant in these Asian countries. The trade has escalated in recent years in conjunction with Asia’s “new wealth” and rising personal incomes – a deadly economic combination responsible for funding commercial rhino poaching operations in Africa and Asia.

Patrick Ormondi, head of species conservation and management for the Kenya Wildlife Service said via AP that the ultimate goal is to reintroduce the Northern white rhino to southern Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Cameroon.

It was also reported that Alastair Lucas, vice president of Goldman Sachs Australia, helped finance the Northern white rhinos’ journey to Kenya. Lucas was inspired to become involved with the project after learning about the plight of Africa’s rhinos during a trip to Uganda.

Fatu, Najin, Suni, and Sudan: Congratulations on your safe journey!

Image © FFI

“4 Northern White Rhinos Arrive Safely in Kenya From Czech Zoo” by Rhishja Larson originally published December 20, 2009 on Ecoworldly.

Rhishja Cota-Larson

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Precious Cargo: Extremely Rare Rhinos Prepared for Move from Czech Zoo to Kenya

Rhishja Cota-Larson — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 07:11:12 +0000

Four of the world’s eight surviving Northern white rhinos are about to be flown from ZOO Dvůr Králové in the Czech Republic to Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

This weekend, Northern white rhinos Sudan, Suni, Najin, and Fatu will begin the journey of a lifetime: A new life in Kenya – and the last hope for one of earth’s rarest creatures.

The move is a final effort to preserve the genetic material of the Northern white rhino (Ceratotherium simum cottoni), now considered extinct in the wild due to poaching. Many experts believe that hormonal changes induced by the natural environment at Ol Pejeta will make the females receptive to breeding – something that has not occurred frequently enough in captivity.

Although ZOO Dvůr Králové’s project has sparked a heated debate within the rhinoceros conservation community, supporters of the move include Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Fauna & Flora International, and the African Rhino Specialist Group (AfRSG).

We are also acting on the basis of the expert advice and information assembled by the African Rhino Specialist Group Secretariat based on input and comment from eight AfRSG members in Africa and other internationally recognised experts in the fields of conservation biology, genetics and white rhino ecology; and the AfRSG Secretariat’s endorsement and ongoing support of the project.

Transport crates have been placed in the rhinos’ enclosure in order for them to become acclimated to going inside. The crates will reportedly be heated for the rhinos on their journey.

A new life in Kenya

The rhinos’ destination, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, has a strong track record of breeding and protecting rhinos, and is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa.

While we are required to achieve an annual average growth rate of 6% per annum for our black rhino population, the past 10 years has seen the Conservancy’s black rhino population grow by an annual average of 8%.

Ol Pejeta maintains an elaborate security system which includes armed teams, a fully electrified perimeter fence, individual rhino sightings, and aircraft surveillance.

The conservancy is developing a breeding herd of white rhinos with its founder population, and welcomed its first white rhino calf in February 2008.

It is hoped that hybrid calves will be produced as a way to preserve the Northern white rhino subspecies, with AI being used as an alternative measure.

Will the rhinos survive the journey?

However, organizations such as the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), International Rhino Foundation (IRF), and Save the Rhino International (SRI) are opposed to transporting the rhinos.

Earlier this week, Safari Archa 2007 held a protest in Hradec Králové. Roman Komeda of the group stated via CeskeNoviny that the move endangers the rhinos’ lives.

The swings of temperature between the Czech Republic and Kenya will be enormous. This puts the animal lives at stake. If only someone reasonable decided that the transport be postponed for next spring or summer, but other pressures seem to be exerted.

Most of the rhinos were born in captivity and have no natural antibodies to protect them.

The three captive born rhinos are Fatu, who is the youngest of the rhinos at age nine. Najin is 20, and Suni, 19. Only Sudan, now at the advanced age of 38, was born in the wild.

IRF and SRI believe that the journey especially places elderly rhinos such as Sudan at significant risk.

Regardless of destination, there is a real risk of older animals dying during an extended transport.

Zoologist Kristina Tomasova, said via AFP the temperature fluctuation will be too much for the rhinos.

Three of the four rhinos were born here, and they are used to regularly changing cold and warm periods. At present, they are programmed for a cold season.

Even if the animals survive the journey, they will be immediately exposed to temperatures around 40 degrees C (104 degrees F). They will find it difficult to cope.

“Last chance” for Northern white rhinos

As the Northern white rhinos stand at the brink of extinction, time is definitely not on their side. But if these precious rhinos somehow survive the risky journey from the Czech Republic to Kenya, then there is the possibility that this subspecies will persevere.

ZOO Dvůr Králové Director Dana Holeclova is holding onto hope.

We must offer them this last chance, in their natural environment in Africa.

Fatu, Najin, Suni, and Sudan: All the best for a safe journey – and a prolific new life in beautiful Kenya.

Rhishja Cota-Larson

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Devastating News About the Northern White Rhino

Rhishja Cota-Larson — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 20:06:17 +0000

The Northern white rhino has been reported as extinct in the wild today.

Poachers have slaughtered the last four individuals of the rare white rhino subspecies, Ceratotherium simum cottoni.

From the Times Online:

The last four northern white rhinoceros remaining in the wild are feared to have been killed for their horns by poachers and are now believed to be extinct in the wild.

Who is behind the rampant rhino poaching?

The illegal killing of rhinos continues because the market for rhino horn is thriving in China. Chinese culture supports the myth that rhino horn has medicinal properties – despite the fact there is no scientific evidence to support such nonsense.

In 2006 that the Western African Black Rhino was declared extinct, each and every last one slaughtered for their horns.

We must do a better job of protecting the creatures that share the planet with us.

Rhishja Cota-Larson

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