Meetings have been held with members of 4 local communities to talk about rhino protection. 29 radios and spare batteries were bought for the rangers. The daily costs of a 4WD have been covered. Final report summary (October 2019):ĭuring the period supported, 22 rhinos were marked in order to allow a long range visual identification. The teams will also be equipped with field communication equipment. Rhino patrol teams will increase their efficiency, responsiveness and mobility with the daily use of a 4X4 vehicle. Also, in order to improve awareness and understanding of rhino conservation threats and needs, access to the OPC will be increased for 18 local communities.ĭuring this project, OPC will also buy veterinary supplies to enable the darting, immobilization, and ear-notching of twelve black rhinos to support long-term monitoring and biological management. However, by engaging communities and creating meaningful incentives for them to opt for conservation over illegal trade is a core component to OPC’s Community Development Programme (CDP).ĭuring the period supported by Fondation Ensemble, to engage communities through the CDP, 54 bursaries will be distributed. However, given the current severe threats to rhinos continent-wide from poaching and illegal horn trade and economic uncertainty caused by drought and declining tourism, continued action is needed to ensure the successful recovery of the black rhino in Kenya.įocusing on enforcement or demand reduction alone will not lead to the cessation of illegal trade in wildlife. OPC has worked to sustain an average rhino population growth rate of nearly 5% per annum for the past seven years. With 114 individuals, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is home to the largest population of this species in east Africa and is of critical importance to the future conservation of the black rhino metapopulation in the region. By supporting an AZA-accredited zoo, you’re supporting this critical research.The Critically Endangered black rhinoceros ( Diceros bicornis), with approximatively 5,250 individuals remaining in the wild, is under severe and on-going threat from poaching and habitat loss. AZA-accredited zoos collectively reported spending approximately $25.1 million on research efforts that impacted nearly 600 species and subspecies. AZA-accredited zoos take this role seriously. We have the opportunity to advance scientific knowledge of the animals in our care, enhance the conservation of wild populations, and engage and inspire the visiting public. Research is a critical component of modern AZA-accredited zoos. In the last five years, the zoo has participated in studies ranging from investigating the effect of olfactory cue and courtship on breeding in black rhinoceros and to determining if measuring hormones in urine can predict when a female black rhinoceros will be most receptive to breeding by a male rhinoceros.įuture studies that the zoo is planning to participate in include looking at how the gut microbiome changes throughout the lactation period, efforts to determine the genetic diversity for the current AZA eastern black rhinoceros captive population, evaluating how black rhinoceros milk composition changes throughout lactation, and work on trying to improve artificial reproductive technology techniques. This is voluntary, and she always has the choice to walk away. Doppsee’s incredible training and trusting relationship with her zookeepers allow for regular blood draws. Ronan, Potter Park Zoo Director of Animal Health, draws blood from Doppsee the black rhino. What is Potter Park Zoo Doing to Contribute to Eastern Black Rhino Research?ĭr. Potter Park Zoo is committed to help save black rhinoceros and throughout Doppsee’s time at Potter Park, we have participated in many studies trying to improve the success of captive breeding of black rhinoceros. There are less than 60 eastern black rhinos in the care of zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). However, very little is known about black rhinoceros captive breeding and current captive eastern black rhinoceros populations are not sustainable. Zoos could provide protection of these species through captive breeding and reintroduction programs. This population number is low and the wild rhinoceros population is still at risk for extinction. ![]() Since this precipitous decline, black rhinoceros have been listed as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List.ĭue in part to local conservation efforts, there has been a slight growth in wild eastern black rhinoceros populations, however current estimates are still less than 5,500 individuals. ![]() Hunting and poaching of black rhinoceros have resulted in one of the most dramatic population declines, with wild black rhinoceros populations decreasing by more than 95% between 1960-1995 (IUCN red list of threatened species). Black rhinoceros populations have declined drastically over the past 60 years.
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