Health & Fitness
Western Black Rhino Officially Declared Extinct by IUCN
On Nov. 10, a sad and appalling crime against nature was revealed when the IUCN officially declared the extinction of the western black rhino.
I recently had the unfortunate experience of hearing that the western black rhino, a subspecies of black rhino mostly found in the African country of Cameroon, is now officially extinct according to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).
According to CNN, this critically endangered species was last seen in 2006.
After four years of searching for any sign of specimens and observing none, the IUCN officially declared the species extinct on Nov. 10.
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Rhinos all over the world are experiencing similar pressure due to increased poaching for sale of horns.
According to CNN, rhino horns are used in traditional Asian medicines as an aphrodisiac, and to a lesser degree, used to make ceremonial daggers for sale on the black market.
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The good news is, a few specimens still exist in captivity across the globe.
Reintroduction of the species through captive breeding programs are not likely however, because of high costs and danger of future poaching.
Personally, I find this appaling and sad.
We humans need to start understanding the effect we have on future generations and the planet as a whole.
When you remove too many pieces of the of the puzzle, we will eventually lose everything.
I understand that these countries may have other priorities but conservation needs to be stepped up.
It may be the future of the human race that hangs in the balance if we continue to eradicate species from the biosphere.
What are your thoughts?
