Introduction

As a wildlife conservation enthusiast there is no greater feeling than that of accomplishing a feat such as assisting in the survival of a critically endangered species. Wildlife conservation is one aspect of protecting our ecosystems across Africa that needs utmost attention and dedication. The African continent has several endangered species such as painted dogs, pangolins and rhinos, these are faced with threats from poaching and human wildlife conflicts. Rhinos across the continent are considered a critically endangered species, thus the recent success of an IVF procedure with a Northern white rhino has fanned hope in the urgent race to save this majestic animal.

Definition of IVF

In vitro fertilisation is a procedure in which eggs are removed from a female’s ovaries and combined with sperm outside the body to create embryos. According to Sabinet Journals In-vitro fertilisation for rhino conservation is a complex technique that holds a lot of potential for use in wildlife conservation.

IVF as a potential means of survival for the Northern White rhino

Using in vitro fertilization (IVF), scientists led by Thomas Hildebrandt have achieved a rhinoceros pregnancy for the first time, and the technique may be the key to saving the near-extinct northern white rhino. There are just two surviving individuals of this critically endangered subspecies, and it is on the verge of extinction. IVF is seen by scientists as a potential means of preventing the extinction of the northern white rhino. In IVF, sperm and eggs are combined in a lab to make embryos, which are subsequently inserted into the female. With the successful transfer of a rhino egg earlier this year, there is now hope for the species, which is now confined to only two female northern white rhinos.

In Africa, the rhinoceros is one of the most critically endangered species, with poaching at the core of the threats it faces in the wild. Conservation efforts have been in motion since long to combat the poaching of this majestic animal nicknamed “the African tanker.” However, despite the efforts of the conservation groups, the poaching of the rhinoceros remains a major issue. The demand for rhino horns, especially in Asian countries, has increased significantly, pushing many species towards extinction. Thus, the recent IVF success of the Northern white rhino embryo has brought a sliver of hope for conservationists in saving the almost extinct species of the Northern white rhino.

The Northern White Rhino, is one of two subspecies of the White Rhinos. This subspecies is an avid grazer, or rather was an avid grazer in grasslands and savannah woodlands, before it faced a fate almost too similar to the dinosaurs—near extinction. The northern white rhino is currently critically endangered due to poaching for its horn and habitat loss. Only two individuals remain in the world, both of whom are female; hence, extensive attempts to save the species are underway, but it is feared that it is too late. However, do not give up hope so soon. The IVF success has served as a reminder that we have only one Earth and we are responsible for its preservation. We must continue to strive to protect our wildlife and educate people on the importance of conservation.

The extinction of a species sets off a series of potentially catastrophic events because every living organism on this planet serves a purpose in the ecosystem, according to the World Wildlife Organization. When a species goes extinct, it can disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem. This can lead to a decrease in biodiversity, a decrease in food chains, and a decrease in the amount of resources available for other species. Therefore, there is a need for a resurgence in efforts against poaching of this endangered species across Africa.

Across the African continent, rhinos face a depressive life experience in the wild. They sought after their horns, which are incorrectly believed to cure illnesses, but according to the International Rhino Foundation, the most important thing to note is that a rhino’s horn is actually a compacted mass of hairs that continue to grow throughout the animal’s lifetime, just like our own hair and nails.

Conclusion

Therefore, today, when you see a rhino, a black rhino, a white rhino, a Sumatran rhino, or the much saddening only surviving two northern white rhinos, please be reminded that with just an estimated 76 Javan rhinos, an estimated 34 and 47 Sumatran rhinos, and just two northern white rhinos left on this planet, it is essential to realize that poaching steals from us all.