The Future Extinction of Northern White Rhinos

Did you know that the last male white rhino died last week? Sudan, the last remaining male northern white rhino, passed away at 45 in Kenya. There are only two remaining white rhinos in today’s world: Najin, Sudan’s daughter, and Fatu, Sudan’s grand daughter. They are kept under 24-hour guard in a conservancy in Kenya. By living in protected sanctuaries, they are as safe as they can be. 

Northern white rhinos are a subspecies of the southern white rhino. However, some argue that they should be classified as their own species. This is because the northern white rhino are pilose, smaller in size and have different dental structures. The death of Sudan has brought about the conflict that another extinction is on the verge and it is our doing. Possible extinction and endangerment for animals has become a more prominent issue in today’s world as it becomes bigger. The world is becoming too crowded and there is not enough space for things. Since 1960, the population of northern white rhinos has been decreasing when about 2000 rhinos were living on the grasslands of east and central Africa. By 2008, none could be found. This subspecies’ extinction in the wild has been caused by war, habitat loss and poaching for their horns. Researchers have discovered that very few rhinos (of any species) survive outside national parks, zoos, and reserves due to persistent poaching and habitat loss over many decades. There are two general species of rhino in Asia- Javan and Sumatran-. Both of these species are critically endangered. In 2011, a subspecies of the Javan rhino was declared extinct. There is a very small population of the Java rhino that still clings to survival in Indonesia. 

Poaching is the most significant threat to the rhino. This occurs when people illegally kill animals and sell their body parts for money. It is thought that at least 5000 rhinos of any kind were poached in South Africa in the last decade. Rhinos are poached for their horns because they can be used to make knife handles and medicine. The best way to help save endangered rhinos (and endangered species) is to protect wildlife habitat and to reduce the amount of poaching. Humans can cause extinction through over harvesting, pollution, habitat destruction, invasion, overhunting, etc.

The unsustainable population growth of humans is another essential cause of the extinction crisis. There is simply not enough room for all animals and people. Because of Sudan’s recent death, there is no solution to stopping the extinction of northern white rhinos. However, if preventible measures are taken, we can do the best we can to put a stop to future animal extinctions. 

-Stephanie Sandra