Can Science Save This Critically Endangered Rhino Species?
An ambitious project is expected to begin later this year.
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Although the northern white rhinoceros has been an endangered species list for a while, recent events have significantly boosted the need for swift action. The last remaining male died in 2018 and only two females — a mother and daughter both believed to be infertile — remain.
But scientists working at the reservation in Kenya where Fatu and Najin are being cared for are not giving up hope on the species just yet.
A daring plan
Experts from the Germany-backed research group BioRescue believe that they can possibly start to replenish the population of northern white rhinos through a process that has already been used successfully for a similar species.
Last year, the embryos of two southern white rhinos were transferred to surrogates, leading to a successful pregnancy. It was the first time an embryo transfer had been performed on a rhinoceros, though it has become a fairly common procedure among horses, cows, and even humans in recent years.
Now, researchers are hoping to repeat that success with northern white rhinos, where the stakes are considerably higher due to how close the species is to extinction.
A limited supply
According to BioRescue, the process is set to get underway in May or June and will involve a southern white rhino surrogate carrying one of just 30 northern white rhino embryos currently being stored in liquid nitrogen at facilities in Germany and Italy.
Project head Thomas Hildebrandt pointed to the outcome of last year’s project as a good sign for the potential success of this one, though he noted that there are a number of variables at play.
“Humans are simple,” he declared. “We are working with a two and a half ton mammal.”
If it results in a live birth, it would be the first baby northern white rhino born since 2000.
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