Sumatran rhino populations in Sumatra, Borneo should be combined

[Surroundx]

"A new study argues for treating endangered Sumatran populations in Borneo and Sumatra as "a single conservation unit", lending academic support to a controversial proposal to move wild rhinos from Malaysia to Indonesia.

The paper, authored by an international team of rhino experts and published in the journal Oryx, says that genetic differences between the island populations are minimal. Given the dire straights of the species — the wild population is estimated at less than 100 individuals — the researchers argue that ensuring the Sumatran rhino's survival takes precedence over preserving what little genetic diversity remains between populations...."

Complete article: Rhino populations in Sumatra, Borneo should be combined to save Sumatran rhino from extinction

 

[DavidBrown]

Putting the rhinos together in a heavily protected reserve makes sense. That is essentially what has been done to save the black rhinos in Kenya, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

 

[Pertinax]

Last paragraph states they are 'seriously considering' sending the Bornean male 'Tam'(Kertam) to Cincinnati as a mate for 'Suci'.

 

[Kifaru Bwana]

Last paragraph states they are 'seriously considering' sending the Bornean male 'Tam'(Kertam) to Cincinnati as a mate for 'Suci'.

What then of the female Punting in Sabah. She been mated or something?

Perhaps the amalgamation of both populations given the numbers does make sense. I would have to read the article more carefully.

 

[Spixii]

What then of the female Punting in Sabah. She been mated or something?

Natural breeding was never successful due to her missing fore-foot. Even the prosthetic didn't provide adequate support.

 

[Pertinax]

Natural breeding was never successful due to her missing fore-foot. Even the prosthetic didn't provide adequate support.

I guessed that was the reason they are considering transferring the male. Presumably they will carry on trying to AI her successfully though. I hope they get on with this transfer quickly if they do decide to do it.

 

[ThylacineAlive]

Last paragraph states they are 'seriously considering' sending the Bornean male 'Tam'(Kertam) to Cincinnati as a mate for 'Suci'.

I doubt that's happening soon unfortunately. The zoo can only hold two rhinos in their exhibit from my understanding and right now they're already bringing Harapan back so there's no room for Tam Tam.

~Thylo

 

[Spixii]

I doubt that's happening soon unfortunately. The zoo can only hold two rhinos in their exhibit from my understanding and right now they're already bringing Harapan back so there's no room for Tam Tam.

~Thylo

Where did you hear Harapan was returning to Cincinnati? Maybe that was an option prior to the realization that the transfer of Tam could come into fruition.

 

[Pertinax]

I doubt that's happening soon unfortunately. The zoo can only hold two rhinos in their exhibit from my understanding and right now they're already bringing Harapan back so there's no room for Tam Tam.

The move of Harapan back to Cincinnati may have been arranged prior to the possibility of the Bornean male being transferred. It can quite easily be aborted, changed to another location, or he could even be made available to the projects in S.E. Asia perhaps?

I can't imagine Cincinnati turning down this chance to breed 'Suci' as soon as possible with an unrelated male if one is offered( and even if its Bornean). Its possible that prior to this(possible) option arising, when there was no apparent chance of getting any other male, that they were considering a brother/sister mating as a last resort, though Harapan will not be mature for another year or two anyway.

 

[ThylacineAlive]

The move of Harapan back to Cincinnati may have been arranged prior to the possibility of the Bornean male being transferred. It can quite easily be aborted, changed to another location, or he could even be made available to the projects in S.E. Asia perhaps?

I can't imagine Cincinnati turning down this chance to breed 'Suci' as soon as possible with an unrelated male if one is offered( and even if its Bornean). Its possible that prior to this(possible) option arising, when there was no apparent chance of getting any other male, that they were considering a brother/sister mating as a last resort, though Harapan will not be mature for another year or two anyway.

According to Moebelle the zoo announced the transfer of Harapan back to the zoo only about two weeks or so ago. He's scheduled to arrive in the fall (November I think).

I do agree with you, though. I think if it's seriously offered for Tam Tam to go to Cincinnati it'll happen.

~Thylo