*Note: This is the first in a series of articles that originally appeared in my office newsletter. Posting them to Weebly (with possible modifications) to reach a wider audience.
In this series I hope to promote awareness and personal dedication to preserving our natural world. The topic here is the imperiled family Rhinocerotidae, in particular the critically endangered Sumatran rhinoceros. Now one interesting aspect of Dicerorhinus sumatrensis is how it gives us a window into the ancient world: it is of the oldest mammal species and is closely related to the long extinct woolly rhinoceros. Individuals, many of which are covered with shaggy hair, spend much time wallowing in mud holes to regulate temperature and rid the skin of parasites. They use their horns to scrape mud, access food, and travel through thick vegetation. These majestic mammals are usually solitary and will generally run away when encountering humans.
Habitat loss from agricultural development is a significant human caused peril for the Sumatran rhino. Poaching, however, is the biggest threat to its existence. In the case of the Sumatran as well as other rhinos, poaching stems from Asian horn demand. Traditional Chinese medicine describes the use of rhino horns for the treatment of such conditions as fever, pain, and epilepsy, though not as an aphrodisiac as is thought commonly. Despite enforcement of international regulations, there still appears to be illegal black market trade. I must say that this illicit practice is so preposterous considering research has shown practically no medicinal value of rhino horns. At best, there may be the same fever reducing effect as biting your nails! Will humans contributing to rhino extermination realize their error before doom is manifested?
What can citizens 15,000 km away do to help? Below I will include some links regarding conservation efforts and donations. Rhinos, including the Sumatran, can make a recovery with cooperated aid, good fortune, and perseverance from all.
Symbolic adoption
http://rhinos.org/adopt/
Conservation https://www.savetherhino.org/our_work/conservation_activities
Donations https://www.savetherhino.org/support_us/donate/donate_now
In this series I hope to promote awareness and personal dedication to preserving our natural world. The topic here is the imperiled family Rhinocerotidae, in particular the critically endangered Sumatran rhinoceros. Now one interesting aspect of Dicerorhinus sumatrensis is how it gives us a window into the ancient world: it is of the oldest mammal species and is closely related to the long extinct woolly rhinoceros. Individuals, many of which are covered with shaggy hair, spend much time wallowing in mud holes to regulate temperature and rid the skin of parasites. They use their horns to scrape mud, access food, and travel through thick vegetation. These majestic mammals are usually solitary and will generally run away when encountering humans.
Habitat loss from agricultural development is a significant human caused peril for the Sumatran rhino. Poaching, however, is the biggest threat to its existence. In the case of the Sumatran as well as other rhinos, poaching stems from Asian horn demand. Traditional Chinese medicine describes the use of rhino horns for the treatment of such conditions as fever, pain, and epilepsy, though not as an aphrodisiac as is thought commonly. Despite enforcement of international regulations, there still appears to be illegal black market trade. I must say that this illicit practice is so preposterous considering research has shown practically no medicinal value of rhino horns. At best, there may be the same fever reducing effect as biting your nails! Will humans contributing to rhino extermination realize their error before doom is manifested?
What can citizens 15,000 km away do to help? Below I will include some links regarding conservation efforts and donations. Rhinos, including the Sumatran, can make a recovery with cooperated aid, good fortune, and perseverance from all.
Symbolic adoption
http://rhinos.org/adopt/
Conservation https://www.savetherhino.org/our_work/conservation_activities
Donations https://www.savetherhino.org/support_us/donate/donate_now