Northern White Rhinoceros

About

The Northern White Rhinoceros, scientifically known as Ceratotherium simum cottoni, is a critically endangered subspecies of the white rhinoceros. It was once found in Central Africa, including countries like South Sudan, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, due to extensive poaching and civil conflicts, the subspecies is now considered functionally extinct in the wild. Only two females, Najin and Fatu, remain in captivity at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. These animals are under constant protection due to the ongoing threat of poaching. Northern White Rhinoceroses are characterized by their broad, square muzzle and preference for grazing on short grasses. They are generally smaller than their southern counterparts, with males weighing up to 1,600 kg. Conservation efforts focus on using advanced reproductive technologies to preserve the subspecies. Techniques include in vitro fertilization and using southern white rhinos as surrogate mothers. Despite these efforts, the future of the Northern White Rhinoceros remains uncertain, highlighting the urgent need for effective conservation strategies to protect endangered species.