SOS
Rhino Review
September 2005
Welcome to the SOS Rhino Review, a newsletter about rhinos from
SOS Rhino. You’ll find links to interesting articles here
as well as updates on our efforts to save rhinos all over the world.
Let us know if you’d rather not receive this newsletter.
And now, let's go to the rhino news.
1. Feature Stories
2. World Rhino News
3. Donor Appreciation
4. Find It On Our Web Site
5. Trivia Questions
6. How You Can Help
7. Trivia Answers
8. About Us
Full Stories Are Available Via Web Links
1. Feature Stories
MONTHLY FIELD REPORT : July 2005
By Dr. Edwin Bosi
As habitat is secured, one of the most revealing indicators is the ‘coolness’ of
wild animals towards the presence of humans. One will be able to get very close
to many of the ungulates and birds, at night or in the daylight. One of the
most fascinating experience and observation in the tropical rainforest of Tabin
in this case, is the quick exit by the Borneon gibbons when one approaches
their feeding tree. They will also distance themselves from that tree if they
know you are camping below or in close proximity. I wonder if they have reacted
the same, when big mammals are around, say elephants, tembadau or rhinos.
I love to throw this type of question to my field staffs and volunteers. I must
say the answer from Liza Hawley, a Sydney-based volunteer merits lots of points.
She thinks that these gibbons must have a bad experience with human during the
logging of Tabin forest in the eighties. The sound of heavy machines, thundering
sounds of falling timber, gunshots probably and the noises and smell of humans
may have a lasting impact on this ape. Let us see if the return of forest tranquility
will once again revive the ecological balance and co-existence of man with the
wildlife community.
2. World Rhino News
Illegal Animal Trade Goes Online
Between November 2004 and January 2005, International Fund for Animal
Welfare found thousands of endangered animals and animal products
available for purchase over the internet, including a live Siberian
tiger for $70,000, a lion, peregrine falcons and many medicines made
from leopard, tiger, rhino and elephant parts.
Hint of global link in poaching
Guwahati, Aug. 4: Forest department officials engaged in anti-poaching
operations today said the failed attempt to kill a rhino in the Assam
state zoo on Monday could be the handiwork of an international gang
of poachers.
3. Donor Appreciation
SOS RHINO wishes to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations, and
foundations for their generous support of our programs. Their support comes
in many forms: donation of their expertise and time, funds for specific programs
and equipment, and donation of products. THANK YOU!
Click HERE to view the list of our donors!
4. Find It On Our Web Site
TREK, CYCLE, AND QUEST FOR THE SUMATRAN RHINO OF BORNEO
Borneo Rhino Challenge 2006
SOS RHINO invites you to climb to the summit of Mt. Kinabalu, cycle
the Northern tip of Borneo, and help us search for the elusive Sumatran
rhinoceros of Borneo. You'll see an astonishing variety of rare and
endemic plants, primates, and birds during your trek and cycle in
some of the most beautiful areas of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. As part
of the challenge you will join SOS Rhino's field staff deep in the
jungles of Tabin Wildlife Reserve, in search of the last remaining
small, shy forest rhinos of Malaysian Borneo.
5. Trivia Questions
1.
TRUE OR FALSE: Rhino horns are not real horns.
2.
How does the black rhino of Africa differ from the white rhino?
3.
Is there a subspecies of the greater one-horned Indian rhinoceros?
6
. How You Can Help
Adopt
a rhino, doc or keeper. Buy a t-shirt, hat, or video
There are only 300 Sumatran rhinos left on Earth. Without direct help from
generous humans, they may never be seen again. We urge you to give what you
can in the form of a donation – protect a rhino or adopt a rhino, doc,
researcher, keeper, or purchase one of SOS Rhino’s products: a T-shirt,
hat, or video. Visit today, and give from your heart.
Contribute to the “SOS Rhino Annelisa Memorial Fund”
SOS Rhino has established memorial fund in Dr. Annelisa Kilbourn’s
name to help continue her work dedicated to the survival of the Sumatran
rhino in
Malaysia. Contributions can be made by clicking the button below or mailed
directly to SOS Rhino (checks should be made out to “SOS RHINO”)680
N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611. attn: Annelisa Fund. 312.335.0868,
fax 312.335.0076. Inquires emailed to info@sosrhino.org.
Volunteer
SOS RHINO is looking for volunteers interested in helping us in our efforts
to save the Sumatran rhinoceros. Our Borneo Team is studying the demographics
of the remaining animals in Tabin Wildlife Reserve to determine when patrol
units, habitat protection, or translocation may play a role in the rhinos'
survival. Read more:
Participate in the Borneo Rhino Challenge 2006 Fundraiser
SOS RHINO invites you to climb to the summit of Mt. Kinabalu, cycle the
Northern tip of Borneo, and help us search for the elusive Sumatran rhinoceros
of Borneo. You'll see an astonishing variety of rare and endemic plants,
primates, and birds during your trek and cycle in some of the most beautiful
areas of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. As part of the challenge you will join
SOS Rhino's field staff deep in the jungles of Tabin Wildlife Reserve,
in search of the last remaining small, shy forest rhinos of Malaysian Borneo.
7. Trivia Answers
1.
TRUE. Rhino horn grows from the rhino's skin and not from the skull like a true
horn.
2.
Despite the name, the black rhino differs from the white rhino not by color but
by size and being a browser rather than a grazer.
3.
No subspecies have been described, but Assam and Nepal populations might show
slight differences.
8. About Us
SOS Rhino is a non-profit, international foundation dedicated to preserving
the five rhinoceros species in their natural habitats. Our conservation programs
combine research, education, marketing and advocacy, all working collectively
to achieve sustainable results.
Through diverse stakeholder support, SOS Rhino develops and funds rhino conservation
and awareness programs appropriate to individual countries, providing these
countries with the information and tools to build lasting rhino conservation.
It is our goal to secure a place for this ancient animal in tomorrow’s
world.
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