Kenya to use assisted reproduction in bid to save northern white rhino from extinction
By Amina Wako |
Only two females, Najin and Fatu, remain in the world, and they are kept at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya.
Kenya has unveiled an ambitious plan to use assisted reproduction techniques to rescue the northern white rhino from the blink of extinction.
This comes as only two females, Najin and Fatu, remain in the world, with fears mounting that the species is nearing its end.
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The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) announced on Tuesday its partnership with the BioRescue consortium, a pioneer in advanced assisted reproduction technologies.
"It will involve developing embryos in a laboratory and using so-called stem-cell-associated techniques with ancient material to help reproduce the rare mammals," KWS stated.
The initiative comes as an urgent response to the dire situation facing the northern white rhino.
The Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya houses Najin, aged 34, and Fatu, aged 24.
With rhinos’ average life expectancy in the wild ranging between 35 and 40 years, the need for action is immediate.
"If deliberate action is not undertaken to facilitate the recovery efforts, the species will become extinct in the very near future," KWS warned.
The public has been invited to weigh in on the scientific procedures by December 31, 2024.
Comments can be submitted to KWS ([email protected]) and the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) at [email protected].
President William Ruto has also pledged his government’s commitment to safeguarding the two rhinos and preserving their genetics.
"The government of Kenya is going to work with you to ensure we don’t lose the genetics of these rhinos," Ruto said while addressing the management of Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
"Whatever is required of you, us and others to preserve these species, the government will play its part."
Ol Pejeta's Chief Commercial Officer Ken Kimani expressed optimism about the initiative, revealing that they expect a calf through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) within the next two to three years.
"While Najin is getting old, Fatu has a problem with the hind leg. We are working with scientists from the BioRescue group and other partners in this delicate process," he said.
Currently, laboratories outside of Kenya are storing about 30 northern white rhino embryos, providing a glimmer of hope for the species' revival.
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