Indonesia to Capture Last-Known Wild Bornean Rhino for IVF
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Jakarta: Indonesia is racing to capture the world’s last wild Bornean rhino, named Pari, in a desperate bid to preserve the species through in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Currently, only two Bornean rhinos remain globally, both female.
The other, Pahu, resides in a sanctuary but is approximately 40 years old with health complications that have hindered previous egg extraction efforts.
Conservationists are now focusing on Pari, who appears younger and healthier. The plan involves airlifting the rhino to a facility for egg extraction and fertilization using sperm from a Sumatran rhino, as the two subspecies are close enough to potentially interbreed.
Although past rhino translocations in Indonesia have resulted in fatalities, officials have implemented strengthened safety procedures to mitigate these risks. Scientists are also evaluating cloning options to ensure the Bornean line does not vanish.
Photo Credits: AFP
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