A Fight for Survival
2004 Rhino Update

Wildlife Explorer, January/February, 2004

Bad-Tempered, belligerent, cantankerous – these are all
words that have been used to label the character of a rhinoceros. Admittedly, their massive size, formidable horns and “stand-offish” behavior may reinforce this portrayal. Yet the true character of a rhinoceros is that of a survivor. They are defiant representatives of a diverse evolutionary past, fighting to survive a modern day slaughter caused by a misplaced admiration of their horn.

The five living species, two of which occur in Africa (black and white) and three in Asia (Indian, Javan, and Sumatran) are reminiscent of their prehistoric ancestors. The hairy Sumatran rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) is thought to be a direct descendent of the woolly rhino (Coelodonta antiquitatis) which survived throughout Europe and Asia until as recent as 10,000 years ago.

The ancient origin of rhinos can be traced back 40 to 50 million years. The fossil record indicates that rhinos once lived throughout North America, Africa, Europe and Asia and occupied diverse ecological niches. For example, an extinct rhino, Paraceratherium, the largest land mammal that ever lived, browsed the canopy of trees much like a modern giraffe.
The surviving relatives of this ancient group of animals represent a 50 million year evolutionary legacy. This is a heritage that is today threatened with extinction. Based upon 2001 estimates provided by the International Rhino Foundation (IRF) there are only 18,700 rhinos remaining (wild and captive populations combined) and of that number 12,450 are white rhinos (Ceratotherium simum).

The most devastating story may be that of the black rhino (Diceros bicornis). During the later half of the 20th century the population of black rhinos in Africa decreased from an estimated 65,000 individuals in 1970 to only 2,300 by 1993. This drastic decline resulted from the demand for rhino horn believed to have medicinal value in traditional Asian medicine. Additionally, rhino horn dagger handles were seen as a symbol of status in certain cultures.

The most endangered mammal on Earth, the Sumatran rhino, has seen its population decline by more than fifty percent in the last 15 years. Today an estimated 300 survive in the wild. While the historic birth of Andalas, the first Sumatran rhino bred and born in captivity in over 100 years has created a spark of hope, conservationists recently were shocked to learn of the complete loss of the largest captive population of Sumatran rhinos at the Sungai Dusun reserve in Peninsula Malaysia. (See “Catastrophe at Sungai Dusun” )

The crisis for rhinos only gets worse when you add in the situation confronting the Javan rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus). There are an estimated 60 individuals left in the wild that are concentrated in two locations one in Vietnam and the other in Indonesia. The need for aggressive protection cannot be over stated. The very real threat that poaching and disease could wipe out one or both of these isolated populations is ever present.

While the future for Sumatran and Javan rhinos may seem bleak, it is the dogged, rhino-like determination of conservationists such as Dr. Terri Roth, the Zoo’s Vice President for Animal Science, and Dr. Tom Foose, Program Director of the International Rhino Foundation, that truly provide hope for the future of all rhinos. They would both be quick to point out that while the crisis is real there are rhino success stories that can help provide a road map for progress.

In June, 2002 the African Rhino Specialist Group of IUCN’s Species Survival Commission reported that the total population of the two African species of rhinoceros continue to increase. African countries have helped the black rhino population increase from an estimated 2,704 in 1999 to 3,100 in 2001. A similar increase for white rhinos from an estimated 10,405 in 1999 to 11,670 in 2001 was highlighted.

The recovery of the white rhino may provide the best evidence that rhinos can bounce back from the brink of extinction. Currently the largest population of the five rhino species, white rhinos were at historic lows earlier in the twentieth century. Their recovery was thanks to the actions of conservationists in South Africa. It resulted from years of increased protection and translocation to areas within their former range. The Indian rhinos’ recent recovery parallels that of its African cousin. Currently there are over 2,400 Indian rhinos surviving.

At the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden we understand the important role zoos must play in conserving the habitats and wild relatives of species we have in our care. In 2001 the Cincinnati Zoo adopted a comprehensive five-year action plan that will direct our contribution to rhino conservation. It includes scientific research that may one day help effectively manage captive and wild populations of Indian and Sumatran rhinos, partnerships with the dedicated colleagues and organizations in rhino range countries and conservation education programs designed to not only raise awareness but also to provide participants with the tools necessary to take appropriate action.

During the past three years there have been significant achievements that have provided a spark of hope for the Sumatran rhino. Researchers under the leadership of Dr. Terri Roth at the Zoo’s Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) have made landmark break-throughs in our understanding of Sumatran rhino reproduction and management, which led to the birth of Andalas in 2001–an achievement that will hopefully be repeated when Emi, the female that successfully gave birth and raised Andalas, produces her second calf sometime in the summer of 2004. (see “Emi Pregnant Again!” )

Unfortunately, the deaths of six Sumatran rhinos at Sungai Dusun occurred right as real progress was being made. Even in the shadow of this tragedy work must continue. The exchange of experience and expertise between colleagues in Malaysia, Indonesia and the United States must continue. Additionally the support of anti-poaching teams known as Rhino Protection Units (RPUs), has proven to be one of the most effective strategies to deter poaching and protect wild Sumatran rhinos in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Indonesia. The Zoo has funded one RPU each of the last three years.

The Zoo’s rhino conservation efforts are not exclusive to the Sumatran rhino. To help ensure a genetically healthy and self-sustaining population of captive Indian rhinos, CREW scientists are developing a transcervical artificial insemination (AI) procedure in this species. (see "CREW Conducts Research to Help Rescue Rhinos") Furthermore, CREW recently completed an immunology study on African black rhinos in an effort to begin identifying potential causes of their heightened susceptibility to unusual diseases.
Five species of rhinos have endured much to witness the dawn of a new century. The future of these defiant survivors depends upon our com-mitment to leave the world biologically richer then we found it. Through our conservation programs the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is dedicated to saving a world for our children in which wild rhinos roam.

So the next time you are at the Zoo, take the opportunity to visit our Sumatran rhinos, Ipuh and pregnant Emi, Jimmy and Chitwan, our pair of Indian rhinos, and our black rhinos, Julie and Marshall. Being able to see three of the five species of rhino is an opportunity that attracts international visitors to the Zoo. Take pride in knowing you are part of the international effort to ensure the future of rhinos in the wild.

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