Conservationists Hope IVF Will Save The Northern White Rhino
The Northern white rhino is on the brink of extinction and experts are hoping that in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) will save the species. Two adult males recently died within the space of a few months at the end of last year leaving just five of the animals on the planet. In a bid to save the species from extinction, conservationists will harvest eggs from the remaining females. The eggs will then be stored in the hopes that it becomes possible for IVF in the future.
Sorry state of affairs
Whilst IVF does provide some hope for the sub species of rhino, it also highlights just what a sorry state of affairs it has become for the Northern white rhino. The eggs will be stored at an institute in Germany which already houses the species sperm. Experts say they will only attempt IVF after they improve the current techniques which has no set time frame.
” Experts will wait for a time when the IVF techniques will be developed and tested enough to give us a reasonable chance that usage of (northern white rhino) samples would lead to a successful embryo transfer”, said Jan Stejskal, from the Dvur Kralove zoo in the Czech Republic.
Extinction is probably the grim reality
The grim reality which few want to openly discuss is the likeliest scenario for this species, is extinction. When it came to conservation efforts for other species, there were a larger number of survivors. As the population falls to single figures, there are fewer options and less chance of any kind of assisted reproduction. The risk of inbreeding also rises significantly.
How to be humane?
These are painful times for those involved in caring for the last five remaining Northern white rhinos. The keepers at Dvur Kralove Zoo in the Czech Republic are devoted to a female called Nabire who appears very relaxed. This raises additional issues such as how best to be humane. Interventions and sedations all come with risk. Many people have argued that the animals should be left alone and it was kinder for nature to take its course.
No plans for artificial insemination
Most of the remaining animals are at an advanced age and by the time it becomes possible for IVF, scientists will probably have to implant a fertilised embryo in a surrogate female from the Northern white rhino’s cousin, the Southern white rhino. Mr. Stejskal says that plans do not exist at present for artificial insemination. Whatever the outcome it really would be a shame to lose one of the great species of our planet.
