Problems with Translocation.

After the rhinoceros has been bred there has been problems in their post-release survival. The biggest reason for the rhinoceros dying (post-release) was because of intraspecific conflict which consists of the rhinos fighting. This graph below shows the difference in rates among the rhinos.

There is also a difference in the rhinos deaths from restocking and reintroduction. The term reintroduction is where the rhino is released into its native area from where they had disappeared. Then, restocking is releasing the animal into the area where there are only a few left of the species. The mortality rate of rhinos post-release is much higher when restocking the animals. The rates are almost quadrupled in the rhinos that are less then 2 years old compared to the rates of mortality in reintroduction.

Gelman, A. & Hill, J. (2007) Data Analysis using Regression and multilevel/hierarchical models. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK. November 24, 2012.

Gelman, A. & Rubin, D. (1992) Inference from iterative stimulations using multiple sequences. Statistical Science. 457-511. November 25, 2012

The Attempt at Breeding

To get straight to the point there has actually been a problem with breeding the rhinoceros. The actual captive populations of rhinos are unfortunately declining. This is because veterinarians are having a poor reproductive success with the females. Scientists have struggled with finding the answer to why these rhinos that are living in an environment resembling their natural environments are not reproducing.
Now, scientists are looking at the rhino’s estrogen levels and see that they have higher levels than they normally would after being pregnant. So with that they look at what may cause this. They actually looked at the rhino’s diet and the levels of estrogen in the food they’re given in captivity. There are plants that exhibit estrogen in them and rhinos are also herbivores. Now, alfalfa is one of these plants that rhinos are actually given as a part of their diet. The grasses they eat contain 20% of alfalfa and the pellets given to them have 33% of it in them. Another plant that rhinos are given that contain this estrogenic compound is soy. So this could actually be why these rhinos are not reproducing! It’s sad to think that in an attempt to help the rhinos we’re actually not being successful.

Christopher Tubbs, Phillip Hartig, Mary Cardon, Nicole Varga and Matthew Milnes. "Activation of Southern White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium Simum Simum) Estrogen Receptors by Phytoestrogens: Potential Role in the Reproductive Failure of Captive-Born Females?" Endrocrinology. The Endocrine Society, 17 Jan. 2012. Web. 24 Oct. 2012. <http://endo.endojournals.org/content/153/3/1444.abstract>.

How You Can Help

I just want to start by saying that I really have taken a special interest into this subject. I have always been such a fan of animals and they mean so much to me. I actually want to do zoology at Texas A&M where I plan to transfer to with my Associates degree in the spring. The story of these rhinoceros really breaks my heart and I applaud those in their attempt to help them. WWF has done a lot to help these rhinos out and if you want to learn more on how you can help just go to http://worldwildlife.org/species/rhino . There you can learn more and learn how to make a donation!

The Dangers of the Rhinoceros

Rhinoceros are an endangered species that are being killed for what makes them unique, their horns. Rhinos are carelessly being poached causing there to be a 3,000% increase just between 2007 and 2011. People believe that rhino horn contains certain healing characteristics. It is believed that consuming the crushed up horn can heal illnesses such as cancer. Their blood is also treasured in some countries such as in Nepal. Where a person must hunt and kill a rhino and then offer the rhino's blood to earn peace and prosperity.  Rhinoceros have face a chance of extinction therefore it's best to breed the species so that in hundreds of years ahead they can still exist.

In Sungai, Dunsan there is a rhinoceros conservation centre where rhinos are being bread while in captivity. Besides just breeding them scientists are also studying their behaviors. One study being done was of the reproductive behavior of 2 female and 2 male Sumatran rhinoceros (see above). They concluded that only one oestral (in heat) female rhino should be introduced to male rhinos because rhinos show behaviors of solidarity. If other females are introduced they could get hurt by the other males.

Press, Michelle. "THE SOUL OF THE RHINO: A Nepali Adventure With Kings And Elephant Drivers, Billionaires And Bureaucrats, Shamans And Scientists, And The Indian Rhinoceros." Scientific American 298.1 (2008): 108. Science & Technology Collection. Web. 12 Sept. 2012.

M.R. Jainudeen, et al. "Reproductive Behaviour Of Captive Sumatran Rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus Sumatrensis)." Animal Reproduction Science 85.3/4 (2005): 327-335. Science & Technology Collection. Web. 12 Sept. 2012.