Rare White Rhino Dies In Kenya; Are These Majestic Creatures Headed For Extinction?

The death of a rare 34-year-old northern white rhino in Kenya on October 7 brings this endangered species a frightening step closer to extinction.

Suni was found dead in his enclosure at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Suni was one of only two breeding male northern white rhinos left in existence, reports National Geographic.

It is believed that the rare white rhino died of natural causes. An autopsy is being performed, but officials believe that poachers had nothing to do with the rare white rhino’s death. White rhinos can live to be 50.

His tragic death leaves only six northern white rhinos left in the world. When Suni was born in the Czech Republic at the Dv?r Králové Zoo, he was seen as a ray of hope for the species. He was sent to the Kenyan conservancy in 2009. They had hoped the white rhino would boost their efforts to save the critically endangered species. Sadly, Suni produced no offspring.

Now that there is only one breeding male left and the white rhino’s outlook is grim. The reason the majestic white rhino has reached such a sad state is because poachers have made a fortune from the white rhino’s horns. Despite the fact that there is no scientific proof of medical value, the rhino horn is highly prized in traditional Asian medicine. The horn is ground into powder or made into tablets. It is used for several medical ailments including convulsions, fever, nosebleeds and strokes.

The demand for rhino horn is so profitable for poachers that there are actually organized international poaching criminal syndicates. These syndicates use advanced technology, such as night vision scopes, darting equipment and helicopters to hunt their prey.

USA Today reports that conservationists are now focusing on ways to ensure the safety of the six remaining white rhinos. Despite the low numbers, some scientists are refusing to give up on the species for a variety of reasons. The white rhino is an important part of the Savanna ecosystem, and they help keep the grasslands healthy. The species is also an invaluable resource to promote tourism in the region.

Some scientists believe that if the last remaining white rhino male fails to breed, they may be able to breed the white rhino females with a southern subspecies. By doing so, scientists would preserve some of the genes of the rare endangered white rhino.

In a statement, representatives from the Ol Pejeta Conservancy said, “We will continue to do what we can to work with the remaining three animals on Ol Pejeta in the hope that our efforts will one day result in the successful birth of a northern white rhino calf.”

The rare northern white rhino is just one of two subspecies of white rhino. The second subspecies, the southern white rhino, has survived much better than its counterpart. Its numbers are estimated at over 20,000, according to the World Wildlife Fund.