Tunde FolawiyoDwindling Rhino Populations in Zambia | Tunde Folawiyo
The African continent is home to an enormous amount of species, many of which are among the most majestic in the world. Whilst millions of animals inhabit the countries of Africa, human factors and habitat destruction have caused a severe impact on a notable amount of ecosystems, rendering a variety of species endangered or extinct. African citizens such as Tunde Folawiyo and animal lovers throughout the world may be alarmed when faced with the harsh realities of the decline of the white rhino in countries throughout Africa. Without aid from global-wide preservation efforts, the rhino population will one day likely cease to exist within the region.
Whilst countries such as Zambia and many others throughout the continent of Africa once housed a healthy population of white rhinos, by 2010 the population had dwindled to only one, demonstrating the species’ intense need for aid. The steep decline is the result of poaching that has had devastating effects on local populations of the species. At the brink of the rhino’s near extinction, African Wildlife Foundation has partnered with Zambia Wildlife Authority to settle four white rhinos from South Africa to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, focusing on efforts to assist in revitalizing the population. Since relocation, the park has seen four births, heightening the total to nine – a major sign of progress for preservation efforts. Rhinos carry long gestation periods, with new calves being birthed only once every two to four years. Furthering efforts, the AWF’s partnership with Zambia Wildlife Authority also aids in protecting and monitoring the current population of rhinos. In addition to anti-poaching patrols, they employ advanced health monitoring to ensure safety among young rhinos.
The white rhinoceros is the largest species of rhinoceros that exists. Its wide mouth is used for grazing and amongst many other characteristics, it is the most social of all rhinos. The white rhino consists of two subspecies. At the end of 2007, the southern white rhinoceros had an estimated 17,460 wild-living animals in existence. The far more rare northern white rhinoceros has very few still alive today, with only seven confirmed individuals left. Unfortunately, only four of these are still able to reproduce.
The largest of the five species of rhinoceros, the white rhinoceros remains the world’s largest land mammal after the three species of elephant. Their weight can range from 1,360 to 3,630 kg (3,000 to 8,000 lbs.). The largest white rhino ever recorded weighed approximately 4,500 kg (9,900 lbs.). Found in grassland and savannah habitat, White rhinoceroses are Herbivore grazers that eat grass, preferring the shortest grains. Amongst the creatures other traits are that it can live four or five days without water, an astounding fete for any animal on earth. The white rhino’s days are spent half of the day eating, one third resting, and the rest of the day doing various other things. Through the valued support of proponents of wildlife preservation such as Tunde Folawiyo, the rhinos of Zambia may thrive once again.
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