Nature Conservation 2/2009 — 21. 4. 2009 — Research, Surveys and Data Management — Print article in pdf
Uncertain Future of Northern White Rhinoceros
The Northern White Rhino (Ceratotherium simum cottoni) is the rarest rhino in the world. There were only four specimens in the wild in 2006 and their existence is not sure at present.
The Northern White Rhino (Ceratotherium simum cottoni) is the rarest rhino in the world. There were only four specimens in the wild in 2006 and their existence is not sure at present. Eight rhinoceros are living in captivity, two of them at the San Diego Wild Animal Park and six at the Dvůr Králové nad Labem Zoo in the Czech Republic. The reproduction of northern white rhinoceros is very difficult because females have not native oestrus and there are other biological constrains. Consequently, the Dvůr Králové nad Labem Zoo elaborated the Northern White Rhino Conservation Action Plan. The aim of the project is to establish a viable reproductive group. Five specimens from the Dvůr Králové nad Labem Zoo should go to a private sanctuary in the Republic of South Africa, where are better conditions for social and territorial behaviour related to reproduction. Next step should be a transfer of the last rhinoceros from the wild to the sanctuary and adding them to the animals from captivity. Some experts, including the White Rhino European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) Coordinator, did not support the project. The issue became a media event in the Czech Republic. The Dvůr Králové nad Labem Zoo has not received a CITES permit needed for the transfer yet.