Sumatran rhino one step closer to extinction due to reproductive problems
One of the world's rarest mammals, the Sumatran Rhino, is facing a bleak future with the discovery that it suffers from reproductive problems, including low sperm count and cysts. Malaysia's wildlife department have discovered the problem after a three year study into the animals. It's a problem that mainly affects captive rhinos, as a lot of the issues arise from stress and hormone imbalances. There are currently only 300 Sumatran rhinos in the wild, which is half the number from 15 years ago, thanks to poaching.
[via The Guardian]
Related: Going, going, gone: an illustrated guide to conservation |
Illegal logging in Borneo has also affected the rhino population, with it's precious habitat being destroyed, and the rhinos being fragmented and unable to meet suitable mates. This means that there are very few breeding pairs in the wild and obviously the reproductive problems mean that captive breeding isn't a viable solution. This series of unfortunate circumstances could spell the end for this beautiful, secretive creature.
