An abundance of animals are listed on the IUCN Redlist ranging from least concern to extinct. Although all of these animals need our conservation efforts, I am going to focus on the rhino population in this post due to recent news. As of late August this year, the Sumatran Rhino has been declared extinct in Maylasia. According to Discovery News, the Sumatran Rhino has not been seen in its wild habitat in Maylasia since 2007. However, there is hope of roughly 100 possibly still living in Indonesia. There are nine that live in captivity that will take part in serious conservation efforts of restoring this species.
Keep in mind, the Sumatran Rhino is not the only species of rhino in danger. In the twentieth century there was record of an abundant population of 500,000 rhinos worldwide. Today, three out of the five species of rhinos are listed on the IUCN Redlist as critically endangered. This is largely due to poaching, a human consequence. The rhino horn has reached a high demand on the illegal market used for treating conditions, even though it has no scientific medical benefits, and as a symbol of wealth. (Save The Rhino)
"During 2014, in South Africa alone a staggering 1,215 rhinos were killed by poachers, that's one every eight hours" (Save The Rhino).
As one of this blog's goals to encourage learning how to coexist with wildlife, I would like to emphasize that the rhino is a perfect example of the fast pace damage and impact humans can cause with poaching being the number one reason for extinction.
However, on the alternative side, humans also have the power to help support a species and hopefully rebuild a population. The video below describes Cincinnati Zoo's conservation journey of the Sumatran Rhino and future plans for the species.
As one of this blog's goals to encourage learning how to coexist with wildlife, I would like to emphasize that the rhino is a perfect example of the fast pace damage and impact humans can cause with poaching being the number one reason for extinction.
However, on the alternative side, humans also have the power to help support a species and hopefully rebuild a population. The video below describes Cincinnati Zoo's conservation journey of the Sumatran Rhino and future plans for the species.
A powerful line from the video: "...the general public will no longer see this species except in pictures."
This video also points out the many positive reasons why zoos exist. Like the video stated, science is a main focus in zoos today allowing us to learn so much more about a species, and therefore we can greater help them in the wild. Harapan, the rhino in the video, is also an ambassador for his species bringing awareness to the public that they are critically endangered. You are more likely to care about and take action for something you can see in person rather than just watching it in a video or reading about it in a book. Zoos make this education possible. He will also now be apart of a hopeful conservation program to help save his species. Next time you visit a zoo, notice how many animals there are on the IUCN Redlist.
This video also points out the many positive reasons why zoos exist. Like the video stated, science is a main focus in zoos today allowing us to learn so much more about a species, and therefore we can greater help them in the wild. Harapan, the rhino in the video, is also an ambassador for his species bringing awareness to the public that they are critically endangered. You are more likely to care about and take action for something you can see in person rather than just watching it in a video or reading about it in a book. Zoos make this education possible. He will also now be apart of a hopeful conservation program to help save his species. Next time you visit a zoo, notice how many animals there are on the IUCN Redlist.
The good news is there has already been conservation success stories with other species such as the White Rhino and Black Rhino. However, all rhino species still need our help. Please continue your research at Save The Rhino and follow up on ways to get involved such as donating for equipment to stop poaching, volunteering your time, or simply just passing on the message of awareness to others. Check out your local zoo to see what conservation efforts they are doing to help the rhinos and other animals. Click here to find out what the Minnesota Zoo had done to contribute! American Associate of Zookeepers (AAZK) is another good source to keep updated on conservation efforts in zoos and around the world. See if your local AAZK is hosting a Bowling for Rhino's event such as the one hosted by the MN Zoo.
Be educated!
Be educated!