SOS Rhino Review
December 2004

Welcome to the SOS Rhino Review, a newsletter about rhinos from SOS Rhino. You'll find links to interesting articles here as well as a few surprises! We have provided some updates on our efforts to save rhinos all over the world. Let us know if you'd rather not receive this newsletter.

And now, let's go to the rhino news.

1. About Us
2. World Rhino News
3. Feature Stories
4. Donor Appreciation
5. Find It On Our Web Site
6. Trivia Questions
7. How You Can Help
8. Trivia Answers

Full Stories Are Available Via Web Links

1. About Us

SOS Rhino is a non-profit, international foundation dedicated to preserving the five rhinoceros species in their natural habitats. Our conservation programs combine research, education, marketing and advocacy, all working collectively to achieve sustainable results.

Through diverse stakeholder support, SOS Rhino develops and funds rhino conservation and awareness programs appropriate to individual countries, providing these countries with the information and tools to build lasting rhino conservation.

It is our goal to secure a place for this ancient animal in tomorrow’s world.

2. World Rhino News

Council bill is rare breed: Focus on endangered-species trade
The sale or purchase of products containing endangered species is already illegal under New York State law and federal law. But those laws are difficult to enforce because they require prosecutors to prove - usually through costly DNA testing - that the products in question actually contain endangered species.
Under the City Council bill, violators could be convicted and fined for buying or selling products labeled or advertised as containing endangered species - without a showing of proof. Sponsors believe the measure will help protect endangered species by reducing the market for outlawed products.

Wildlife conservation facts to chew on
Rather than just about altruistic laments, species loss has serious implications for humans. Wild fauna and flora provide food, medicine and fuel, and help to filter water, decompose waste, generate soil and pollinate crops, so the repercussions from the loss can be wide-ranging.

3. Featured Stories

SOS Rhino Is Pleased To Announce The First Successful Artificial Insemination Of A Rhinoceros
The first successful artificial insemination of a rhinoceros has been accomplished by scientists of the Berlin Leibniz-Institute for Zoo And Wildlife Research. The rhinoceros cow, Lulu, 24 years of age, lives at a zoo in Budapest. She is in her fifth month of pregnancy.

Volunteer Journal September 2004
Joe Figel
Volunteering with an organization like SOS Rhino should be a requirement for any student with a passion for protecting large mammals and wild areas. From tracking rhinos along transects during the surveys, to interacting with oil palm plantation workers and discussing conservation issues with Dr. Edwin Bosi, it became increasingly clear that saving the Sumatran rhino was hardly a scientific matter. The surveys are undoubtedly crucial in terms of assessing the status and distribution of the species, but the key to protecting this magnificent animal lies within the social, political and cultural realms.

4. Donor Appreciation

SOS RHINO wishes to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations, and foundations for their generous support of our programs. Their support comes in many forms: donation of their expertise and time, funds for specific programs and equipment, and donation of products. THANK YOU!

Click HERE to view the list of our donors!

5. Find It On Our Web Site

BORNEO RHINO CHALLENGE 2005
Trek, Cycle, and Quest for the Sumatran Rhino of Borneo
SOS RHINO invites you to climb to the summit of Mt. Kinabalu, cycle the Northern tip of Borneo, and help us search for the elusive Sumatran rhinoceros of Borneo. You’ll see an astonishing variety of rare and endemic plants, primates, and birds during your trek and cycle in some of the most beautiful areas of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. As part of the challenge you will join SOS Rhino’s field staff deep in the jungles of Tabin Wildlife Reserve, in search of the last remaining small, shy forest rhinos of Malaysian Borneo.

6. Trivia Questions

1. TRUE OR FALSE: Javan rhinos can be found in captivity today.

2. How far do rhinos usually travel in a day?

3. In the dry season, how far will rhinos travel to seek water?

8. Trivia Answers

1. FALSE. Throughout history from 1600 onward there have been only 22 Javan rhinos in captivity. The last known specimen in captivity was housed at a zoo in Adelaide, Australia from 1886 to 1907.

2. In Africa, it is said that when food and water are abundant, rhinos have no incentive to travel, so they stay in their favored localities. Rhinos in Africa are said to have a home range of about 12 sq. km, which means they would not travel more than a few miles each day.

3. Asian rhinos do not have a major problem in obtaining water, and travel to find food or partners. In Africa during the dry season, depending on the sources of water, the range increases from 12 sq. km up to 20 sq. km. Rhinos don’t need to drink everyday, and cycles of about six days have been recorded.