Keep the Five Alive
Rhinoceros are large mammals belonging to the Rhinocerotidae family, with the adults weighing over one thousand kilograms. Rhinoceros (has the origin of the Greek word which means nose-horned). These are magnificent creatures of the planet earth; they roam the grassland and open savannahs of Africa and Asia. Often referred to as Rhino and are some of the primitive and largest mammals on Earth. Rhinos have their origin in China. Rhinos are threatened and are on the brink of extinction. Rhinos are now one of the most threatened animals on Earth. The demand for rhino horns drives a sharp increase in poaching. Statistics say that ~three rhinos are being killed each day. The way they were killed, leaving the Rhinos after removing the horns and allowing them to bleed to death, is very inhuman. World Rhino Day is observed every year on 22 September and started in 2011. It is a day to enhance awareness about Rhinos and the need for their conservation. Recently, the focus has been on saving the five rhino species, White Rhino, Black Rhino, Greater One-Horned, Javan and Sumatran Rhino. The focus on the conservation of Rhinos also needs to be on conducting scientific research to show the lack of evidence about the myths associated with Rhino horns. Rhino translocation programmes, using scientific advancements like Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), show promise for rhino conservation. There is no easy answer to ensure the survival of these endangered species. The efforts of conservationists, scientists and government agencies need to be strengthened to ensure that the precious natural heritage continues to thrive on Earth. It is human greed that is the leading cause of the destruction of the Rhinos. Rhino is a treasure, not a trophy. Help these species win their fight for survival
The only way to save a Rhinoceros is to save the environment in which it lives because there’s a mutual dependency between it and millions of other species.
David Attenborough.
Rhinoceros are large mammals belonging to the Rhinocerotidae family, with the adults weighing over one thousand kilograms. Rhinoceros (has the origin of the Greek word which means nose-horned). These are magnificent creatures of the planet earth; they roam the grassland and open savannahs of Africa and Asia. Often referred to as Rhino and are some of the primitive and largest mammals on Earth. Rhinos have their origin in China. Rhinos are threatened and are on the brink of extinction. Rhinos are one of the most threatened animals on Earth. It is human greed that is responsible for this. International Rhino Foundation (IRF) is one of the organisations at the forefront of Rhino conservation efforts worldwide. International Rhino Foundation gives startling statistics about the Rhino population. The population of Rhinos has seen a drastic reduction. What used to be ~500,000 at the beginning of the 20th Century, it reduced to 70,000 by 1970 and now stands at 20,000. The demand for rhino horns drives a sharp increase in poaching. Statistics say that ~three rhinos are being killed each day. The way they were killed, leaving the Rhinos after removing the horns and allowing them to bleed to death, is very inhuman.
The threats to Rhino’s survival are many. Habitat loss and geographically distributed population inhibit breeding are some of them. Poaching is the most significant threat to their survival and the use of the Rhino horns in traditional Asian medicine. The lack of coordinated effort by governments and policymakers is also not helping the cause. World Rhino Day is observed every year on 22 September and started in 2011. World Wildlife South Africa first announced it in 2010. The efforts of Lisa Jane Campbell of Chishakwe Ranch in Zimbabwe and Rhishja Cota led to declaring the day as World Rhino Day. It is a day to enhance awareness about Rhinos and the need for their conservation. In recent years, the focus has been on saving the five rhino species, White Rhino (Near Threatened), Black Rhino (Critically endangered), Greater One-Horned (Vulnerable), Javan (Critically Endangered), Sumatran Rhino (Critically Endangered)
The focus on the conservation of Rhinos also needs to be on conducting scientific research to show the lack of evidence about the myths associated with Rhino horns. Rhino horn is made of Keratin (the same material as our hairs and nails). In 1977, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) declared the trade of rhinoceros horns illegal. The Chinese government also banned the domestic business and medicinal use of rhino horns in 1993. Conservation efforts have shown some success too. Kaziranga National Park in Assam had a meagre number of 12 Rhinos in the early 20th Century, now home to more than 2400.
Implementing the Rhino translocation program is helping in establishing a new viable population of Rhino. In India, as part of the Indian Rhino Vision 2020, many Greater One Horned Rhinoceros were translocated to Manas National Park with the hope of establishing a diverse Rhino population. Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), is another scientific advancement which shows promise for rhino conservation.
There is no easy answer to ensure the survival of these endangered species. But the dedicated efforts of conservationists, scientists and government agencies worldwide are on to ensure that this precious natural heritage continues to thrive on Earth for days to come.
Rhino is a treasure, not a trophy.
Help these species win their fight for survival
Toon: Reema
Logs: Sai Baba
ToonLogs
