The first successful rhino IVF pregnancy in the world could potentially save a species that is down to only two living animals.
There are just two northern white rhinos
There are only two female rhinos left in the world, but their species now has hope for survival through the achievement of the first-ever IVF rhino pregnancy by researchers.
cloning of an endangered horse species”
On Wednesday, the BioRescue Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving endangered species through reproductive technology, declared that they have achieved the “first ever successful cloning of a threatened horse species”.embryo transfer
According to the company, successfully completing this accomplishment will help prevent the northern white rhino species from becoming extinct.
According to the International Rhino Foundation, the global population of white rhinos has decreased due to the illegal hunting of these animals. There are two types of white rhinos: the southern white rhino and the northern white rhino. Unfortunately, the northern white rhino is now extinct in its natural habitat. The only remaining two northern white rhinos live in a protected area of 700 acres within Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where they are constantly monitored by armed guards.
The sole method available for producing new northern white rhinoceros offspring is through assisted reproductive technology (aART). According to a previous report, the group has conducted 65 aART procedures between 2015 and 2022. In a recent study published in the scientific journal “Reproduction,” the researchers discovered that aART, which involves retrieving immature egg cells from the rhinos’ ovaries, has been a reliable means for creating viable white rhino embryos.
The organization stated that implementing these methods did not result in any negative impacts on the well-being of the animals involved. On the contrary, they found strong evidence of positive health outcomes.
One of the northern white rhinos
According to the group, Fatu’s cystic ovarian structure decreased in size from 50 millimeters to 15 millimeters over a three-year period and 10 egg retrievals. The group also stated that there is no evidence of the procedures affecting the animal’s ability to reproduce naturally.
The Ol Pejeta Conservancy reported on Instagram that they closely monitored the health and wellness of surrogate mother Curra and teaser bull Ouwan, both southern white rhinos, during the procedure. Fortunately, both rhinos remained healthy with no complications or negative impacts from the process.
Unfortunately, in November, they discovered that both of the adult rhinos had passed away.
“The conservation organization reported that heavy precipitation caused by climate change resulted in flooding of the substitute habitat, releasing dormant spores of Clostridia bacteria which had previously infected and killed the rhinos. Prompt intervention prevented any additional fatalities among the rhino population.”
The conservancy is closely observing the growing embryo and hopes to eventually perform an embryo transfer of a northern white rhino in order to preserve the species, according to researchers.
Li Cohen
Source: cbsnews.com