Dating Rhino
Northern White Rhino Population?
I’ve followed this highly endangered fellow animal’s plight for several years, ever since I read Douglas Adams’ and Mark Carwardine’s fantastic book, “Last Chance To See”.
I was very shocked to read, here – http://www.savetherhino.org/etargetsrinm/site/1/default.aspx in the left hand column, of “the last surviving four Northern white rhinos”? Is this just poorly worded journalism? Because it says here – http://www.savetherhino.org/eTargetSRINM/site/654/default.aspx that there were 22 Northern White Rhinos in 2005?
Can anyone here quote me a true, up-to-date population figure of the Northern White Rhino? Further info would be much appreciated, too.
According to an April 2002 survey by the African Rhino Specialist Group of the IUCN (International Conservation Union), there were at least 27, and probably 30 individuals at that time – about the same as there were in 2000.
However, since mid-2003 there has been a significant and horrific increase in poaching within Garamba National Park. The park houses the only wild population of Northern white rhino in the world. Today there is estimated to be only 5 to 10 individuals left, and poaching continues in the park, making these animals extremely endangered.
There are also about ten individuals in various zoos around the world (including 3 in San Diego), however they have not had much success in captive breeding the rhinos.
Sadly, the Northern white rhino may very well be extinct in the wild by the end of the year.
DATING GONE BAD – Fruit Girl
