Extinction Looms for Borneo's Rhinos

Fox News ^ | March 18, 2006 | Robert Roy Britt

[Daralundy]

A new study of Sumatran rhinos on Borneo puts the numbers of one group in the central region of the island as low as 13, a precariously small number.

The population has declined due in part to poaching.

"If this band of rhinos is to have a healthy future in Borneo, the poaching must be stopped immediately," said Sybille Klenzendorf, lead biologist of the World Wildlife Fund's Species Conservation Program. "Their numbers are so small that losing one or two rhinos to a poacher could upset the remaining rhinos' chances of survival."

The survey was conducted in 2005 and released Friday. The announcement was delayed so officials could be dispatched in an effort to protect the remaining animals.

The entire island was thought to have had somewhere between 30 and 70 rhinos in the recent past. Some of the beasts probably have survived, but the survey did not cover the whole island. Some groups on the island are thought to have gone extinct already.

Overall, there are fewer than 300 Sumatran rhinos in the world, the scientists say. They live only on Borneo, Sumatra and the peninsula of Malaysia. They are one of the most endangered species of rhinoceros.

Rhino horns are used in traditional Asian medicines and sold on the black market.

"We believe this population may be viable and could recover if their habitat is protected and the threat of poaching is eliminated," said Christy Williams of WWF's Asian rhino program.

The Sumatran rhinoceros is called Dicerorhinus sumatrensis. Those in Borneo are a separate subspecies (D. S. harrissoni). They feed on tree leaves and rarely venture beyond the cover of the rain forest.

[Daralundy]

This is very sad. A species with is really in danger of extinction, unlike say the spotted owl.

[SWAMPSNIPER]

We can send them some RINOS!

[AnotherUnixGeek]

I wonder if there's a count of how many animal species are threatened with extinction due to the erectile dysfunction problems of Chinese men - rhinos, bears, tigers...

[Logophile]

Rhino horns are used in traditional Asian medicines and sold on the black market.

I have an idea. Perhaps it would be possible to domesticate rhinos and raise them for their horns and hides, just as other cattle are raised for their milk and meat.

Does anyone here know how rhino steaks taste?

[Doogle]

solution: start poaching poachers

[ChessExpert]

"We can send them some RINOS!"

My first thought as well.

Second thought: can these people (and others) own these Rhinos? We eat an immense amount of beef every year, but cattle are not an endangered species. Many extinction stories have elements of regulation, socialism, and lack of free markets. In a free market context, if some animal is in short supply, its price goes up. This provides a great incentive to preserve/breed the critters. This entails eventual use in some fashion. We use cats, dogs, parrots, cattle, each in its own way.

[ChessExpert]

You're on the right track!

But is it legal? How many legal and political barriers are there? I'm sure rhinos can be put to good use. In a world that accepted the sanctity of property, as our founders did, there would be no problem. Odds are, further research will show that this problem is self-inflicted by government, and possibly environmentalists shooting themselves, and rhinos, in the foot.

[ChessExpert]

You're on the right track!

But is it legal? How many legal and political barriers are there? I'm sure rhinos can be put to good use. In a world that accepted the sanctity of property, as our founders did, there would be no problem. Odds are, further research will show that this problem is self-inflicted by government, and possibly environmentalists shooting themselves, and rhinos, in the foot.

[spanalot]

Who the hell is still eating rhino horn? Haven't they heard of viagra?

[fso301]

Twentyfive+ years ago when "officials" were saying the Florida Panther numbered only in the tens and were exclusive to extreme southwest Florida, I was down in Florida for my families annual spring turkey hunt on private land (now a state park) between Orlando and Titusville when a panther came walking by right in front of my blind.

[Nomorjer Kinov]

Does anyone here know how rhino steaks taste?

It tastes like Spotted Owl or spiced Bald Eagle.

[calex59]

I wonder if there's a count of how many animal species are threatened with extinction due to the erectile dysfunction problems of Chinese men - rhinos, bears, tigers... Posting HTML

I suggest we start exporting viagra and cialis:) That might cure the problem and stop the supply and demand that is causing the poaching!

[hinckley buzzard]

I have an idea. Perhaps it would be possible to domesticate rhinos and raise them for their horns and hides

You are right. In a rational world, people would understand that the best way of preserving a rare species is to find a commercial value for it and legitimize production.

[Charlespg]

I wonder if there's a count of how many animal species are threatened with extinction due to the erectile dysfunction problems of Chinese men - rhinos, bears, tigers...

a hell of lot

[Spirochete]

Extinction Looms for Borneo's Rhinos

I wish extinction loomed over D.C. rhinos.

[stormer]

"a hell of lot"

You're right about that (I think). I've spent some time in Namibia and there wardens capture Rhinos and saw their horns off to discourage poaching. The problem now is that their breeding pattern have been altered because and less vigorous males are being inordinately represented in the gene pool. I will say, there are few moments in my life that match my first Rhino sighting; hour after sundown at Moringa waterhole in northern Namibia - after the elephants got their fill and left, five Rhino showed up, Really spectacular. As far as eating Rhino, I don't think the locals do, there's just too many other tasty critters. If you like eating meat, go to Namibia. If it's got fur, it's on the menu (stay away from the monkey gland burger though).

[ChessExpert]

"after sundown at Moringa waterhole in northern Namibia - after the elephants got their fill and left, five Rhino showed up"

It's probably the same way in D.C.

[stormer]

LOL

[FreedomFarmer]