Ultimately, the value of the northern white rhino will only be realised if they live in the wild. Their genes can provide “survival value” in the natural environment where the species evolved and strengthen the white rhino’s chances of achieving viable populations once more.
Consequently the conservation objective is to maximise offspring from the northern white rhinos, thereby conserving genetic variation and valuable locally–adapted genes and to reintroduce these animals into secure areas of their former range. Once they are in their natural habitat, these rhinos can provide useful genetic insurance for current and future challenges to white rhino populations in East Africa, including resistance to disease (including blood parasites, trypanosomes, etc.). These genes have no value or utility in white rhinos in captivity.
The reintroduction of these four northern white rhino individuals to Africa presents what may very well be the last chance to save their genes. In recognition of this, the translocation has been officially endorsed by the IUCN African Rhino Specialist Group, which contains the world’s leading experts on rhino conservation issues on the continent. The consensus among the specialists is that reintroducing these four captive animals to their natural habitat in Africa will maximise the likelihood of breeding, as exposure to groups of other rhino can encourage breeding. The clear advantage of moving the animals to Africa is that any inter-crossed offspring produced can easily and cheaply be integrated into an established and growing in situ population within their former range.
However, the window of opportunity is closing rapidly, and the breeding potential of the remaining group of rhinos is diminishing quickly as the animals age. For this is the reason we are acting now!
Dvur Králové Zoo approved the translocation of its captive rhinos to a safe site in the wild in East Africa. This decision follows recommendations made by experts at a workshop held at the zoo in September 2008. As well as full protection, this will provide the best possible breeding conditions by giving the four rhinos access to tropical grasses and large areas of natural habitat within a larger conservation area. Back to Africa, which has developed a very productive working relationship with the zoo, will be managing the translocation and has a proven track record in successfully translocating and reintroducing zoo-bred animals into the wild.
The Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya has been identified as the location with the most suitable habitat, climate, security and infrastructure to give the rhinos their best, and probably last, chance of breeding successfully. The remaining breeding opportunities will be maximised through inter-crossing of northern white rhinos at Ol Pejeta, where there is already a well-established and rapidly growing population of southern white rhinos.
