Rhino population worldwide is dangerously low

Insight

rhino

The Northern White Rhino is also one of the most endangered species on the planet. There are only five left in the world and the chances they’ll reproduce naturally are remote. So science may be their only hope for survival. CCTV’s May Lee visited a safari park in San Diego, California where researchers are racing against time to help save the giant mammal.

Highlights:

  • Poaching has sky rocketed in the last 10 years.
  • A rhino horn can fetch up to $300,000 for a poacher.
  • Several Rhino species are endangered.
  • Conservation groups estimate there are about 5,000 Black Rhinos left in Africa.
  • Just over 3,300 greater one-horned Rhinos are in Asia.
  • Fewer than 100 Sumatra Rhinos remain and no more than 45 Javan Rhinos are left on the planet.
  • Statistics show a Rhino is killed in South Africa every eight hours for its horn.
  • Conservationists say another majestic mammal, the elephant, is killed every 15 minutes for its ivory tusks, most of which are illegally smuggled to countries including China.
  • A report by the non-profit Stimson Center in Washington determined that poaching generates 19 billion dollars a year, more than the illegal trafficking of small arms, diamonds, gold or oil.
  • About a thousand park rangers have died in the past decade protecting the animals.

San Diego Safari Park uses Frozen Zoo in efforts to save Northern White Rhinos from extinction

With only five Northern White Rhinos on the planet, Researchers in San Diego Safari Park are working to save the mammal by storing their genes. These stem cells could be used to reproduce Northern White Rhinos and save them from extinction. CCTV America’s May Lee reported this story from Escondido, California.


Peter Knights of Wild Aid discusses ways to eliminate wildlife products

CCTV America interviewed Peter Knights for more insight on cutting the demand for wildlife products. Knights the co-founder and Executive Director of WildAid.