IRF Research Program

IRF RESEARCH PROGRAM. IRF is continuing and expanding its support for research that is directly applicable to management, propagation, and conservation of all rhinoceros species in captivity or under intensive protection and management in the wild. IRF Rhino Research Priorities Currently the IRF perceives a number of general problems impeding intensive management of rhino species: (1) At least two species, the Black and Sumatran, have problems with poor survivorship/ high mortality under intensive management. (2) Reproduction in all 4 of the species that have been maintained in captivity is less than optimal. One species, the Sumatran, has not reproduced in recent times under intensive management. Skewed sex ratios are endangering the captive population of at least one taxa. (3) The populations of three taxa of rhinoceros (the Sumatran, the Javan, and the Northern White Rhino) are in demographic crisis in the wild. All taxa of rhinos are in some degree of demographic difficulty in captivity. The demographic problems are causing genetic difficulties because some lineages are at risk of being lost because their representatives are not reproducing. Recovery from these demographic and related genetic problems could be greatly facilitated by better application of scientific techniques and technology. (4) Compared to many other groups of organisms under intensive management, the basic biology (nutritional, reproductive, behavioral) of rhinos is poorly known. (5) The definition of conservation units has significant impact on the biological and economics of rhino conservation.