Exploring the limits of saving a subspecies: The ethics and social dynamics of restoring northern white rhinos (Ceratotherium simum cottoni)

• Published in: Conservation science and practice Vol. 2; no. 8
• Main Authors: Ryder, Oliver A., Friese, Carrie, Greely, Henry T., Sandler, Ronald, Saragusty, Joseph, Durrant, Barbara S., Redford, Kent H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 01.08.2020; John Wiley & Sons, Inc; Wiley
• Subjects: 19th century; Biology; Ceratotherium; Ceratotherium simum cottoni; Conservation; Cryopreservation; Embryos; Endangered & extinct species; Ethics; Extinction; Females; genetic technologies; genomes; hope; In vitro fertilization; Infertility; National parks; northern white rhino; Poaching; Population; Reproductive technologies; saving species; Surrogate mothers; Zoo animals; Zoos

The northern white rhino (Ceratotherium simum cottoni) is functionally extinct with only two females left alive. However, cryopreserved material from a number of individuals represents the potential to produce additional individuals using advanced reproductive and genetic rescue technologies and per...