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A rhino at risk

At the invitation of the Director General of the Malaysian Wildlife Department Dr. Robin Radcliffe from the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center visited the Sungai Dusan Sumatran Rhino Conservation Centre.

For 10 days, Dr. Radcliffe worked closely with other scientists and with the Sungai Dusun rangers to evaluate the female Sumatran rhinos (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) and learn more about the conservation efforts for this species.

The visit had two major objectives. The first priority was to assess the young female rhino, Minah, for possible reproductive tract disease, and to develop a treatment protocol which would return her to normal reproductive function. Second was to address the need for an effective monitoring program to guide daily reproductive management decisions in captive Sumatran rhinos.

An ultrasound exam of Minah helped to identify a foreign body that was threatening her life. The researchers didn't observe this object until they downloaded video of the procedure from a digital video camera to Dr. Radcliffe's PowerBook. The technology was instrumental in capturing and communicating the findings, and in saving the life and reproductive health of the rhino.

The conclusion was that ultrasonographic study in concert with serum progesterone evaluation may provide the most effective tools to assess Sumatran rhino reproductive health. The work we conducted in this case built on much that had gone before. Our involvement simply provided guidance for the program's further development. complete report  »