The last living members of an extinct species - Jan Stejskal

Summary

The last two female northern white rhinos, Nájin and Fatu, symbolize the brink of extinction for their species. With no males left and both females unable to reproduce naturally, hope lies in advanced reproductive techniques. Conservationists are attempting to create viable embryos using stored semen and eggs from the females, with southern white rhinos as potential surrogates. This effort raises ethical questions about our responsibility towards endangered species and the limits of conservation efforts.

Takeaways

• 🌏 The last two known northern white rhinos, Nájin and Fatu, reside in Kenya's savannahs, signifying the species' functional extinction.
• ⏳ Poaching and civil wars over the past 50 years have led to a drastic decline in the northern white rhino population.
• 🔬 Conservationists initiated captive breeding programs in the 1970s, storing semen from male rhinos as part of the effort.
• 🐣 Only four northern white rhinos were born through the breeding program, with Nájin and Fatu being the final offspring.
• 🚫 Both Nájin and Fatu are unable to reproduce naturally due to health issues, and the last male, Sudan, died in 2018.
• 🧬 There is hope for the species through artificial reproduction techniques, despite the absence of living males and viable female reproduction.
• 💉 The process involves collecting eggs from the females, a procedure that requires sedation and presents risks.
• 🧴 Scientists have successfully created viable embryos in the lab by combining stored semen with collected eggs.
• 🦏 Southern white rhinos, a closely related species, are potential surrogate mothers for the northern white rhino embryos.
• 🔄 The two species diverged a million years ago but have interbred in the past, offering a basis for optimism in the surrogacy plan.
• 🌱 The ultimate goal is to reestablish a genetically diverse breeding population of northern white rhinos in their native habitat over decades.

Q & A

What is the current status of the northern white rhino species?

The northern white rhino species is functionally extinct, with Nájin and Fatu being the last two known individuals alive.

Why can't Nájin and Fatu reproduce to save their species?

Nájin has weak hindlegs that could be further harmed by pregnancy, and Fatu has a degenerated uterine lining, making it impossible for either of them to carry a calf to term.

What led to the decline of the northern white rhino population?

The decline was primarily due to poaching for their horns and civil wars in their habitat, which decimated the population.

When did conservationists start efforts to breed northern white rhinos in captivity?

Conservationists began trying to breed northern white rhinos in captivity in the 1970s.

What was the outcome of the initial captive breeding program for northern white rhinos?

Only four rhinos were born through the captive breeding program, with Nájin and Fatu being the last two.

What is the role of artificial reproduction in the effort to save the northern white rhino?

Artificial reproduction is a crucial part of the effort, as it involves creating viable embryos in the lab using stored semen and collected eggs from the last females.

How did scientists attempt to overcome the lack of a male northern white rhino for reproduction?

Scientists used stored semen from deceased males to fertilize the collected eggs from the female rhinos.

What species is considered as a potential surrogate mother for the northern white rhino embryos?

The southern white rhino, a closely related species, is considered as the potential surrogate mother.

What challenges are faced when transferring an embryo to a rhino?

The shape of the rhino's cervix makes the embryo transfer process tricky and complex.

What is the ultimate goal of the conservation efforts for the northern white rhino?

The ultimate goal is to establish a breeding population of northern white rhinos in their original range, which will take decades.

What ethical questions does the script raise about the responsibility of humans in saving endangered species?

The script raises questions about our responsibility to bring species back from the brink, especially when human actions contributed to their endangerment, and the limits of the effort we should expend on saving threatened animals.