SOS Rhino April Newsletter - in honor of
Annelisa Kilbourne (2003 Laureate)

SOS Rhino Review
April 2007 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. Frequently Asked Questions
6. How You Can Help
7. Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
8. About Us
Full Stories Are Available Via Web Links

1. Feature Stories

Saving Our Children's Forest
(In conjunction with World Forestry Day on March 21 and World Water Day on March 22)

In 2005, there were just under four billion hectares of forests worldwide and deforestation had continued at an alarming rate of about 13 million hectares per year, mainly involving the clearing of land for agriculture. On top of that, on average, 104 million hectares of forests are destroyed each year by forest fires, pests or climatic events such as droughts and floods. These were some of the significant findings of the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2005 conducted by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. Forests are some of the most valuable eco-systems in the world as they represent over 60 percent of the world's biodiversity.

They are also significant in both ecological functions and in protecting Earth's freshwater resources. Many products of economic value can be harvested from forests besides being 'home' to native inhabitants. Despite their phenomenal importance, deforestation is slowly wiping out forests from the Earth's surface and accelerating global warming.

Read the entire article on Bernama.com website here.


2. World Rhino News

Pulling species from the brink

There are only thirteen northern white rhinos left in the world. The species is hovering on the brink of extinction. But three men are pushing forward the frontiers of science to try to save them.

Read the entire article on BBC’s website here.

Conservationists keep rhinos from becoming jambiyas

No rhinoceros roams the wilds of Yemen, yet this country and that animal are intimately entwined, in a relationship that has put the rhino at great risk of extinction. The connection between Yemen and the dwindling herds of rhinoceros can be found hanging from the belts of Yemeni men.
Read the entire article here.


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

SOS Rhino and Tabin Wildlife Reserve announce the Rhino Survey Expedition in Borneo

The Rhino Survey Expedition in Borneo is a 7 Day, 6 Night program that combines a comfortable stay at the charming Tabin Wildlife Resort with a survey program where participants will join SOS Rhino Borneo’s Rhino Protection and Survey staff deep in the jungles of Tabin Wildlife Reserve, in search for signs of the elusive Sumatran rhino in its natural habitat.

http://sosrhino.org/programs/sumatran_visit.php


5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. TRUE OR FALSE: Javan rhinos can be found in captivity today.

  2. How far do rhinos usually travel in a day?

  3. In the dry season, how far will rhinos travel to seek water?


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:


7. Answers to Frequently Asked Questions 1. FALSE. Throughout history from 1600 onward there have been only 22 Javan rhinos in captivity. The last known specimen in captivity was housed at a zoo in Adelaide, Australia from 1886 to 1907.

2. In Africa, it is said that when food and water are abundant, rhinos have no incentive to travel, so they stay in their favored localities. Rhinos in Africa are said to have a home range of about 12 sq. km, which means they would not travel more than a few miles each day.

3. Asian rhinos do not have a major problem in obtaining water, and travel to find food or partners. In Africa during the dry season, depending on the sources of water, the range increases from 12 sq. km up to 20 sq. km. Rhinos don't need to drink everyday, and cycles of about six days have been recorded.


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.