Subscribe now

Earth

Rare rhino evacuation plan scuppered

9 February 2005

THE Democratic Republic of Congo has blocked plans to evacuate half of all its northern white rhinos to Kenya. Just 10 remain in the wild.

The idea was to airlift the five rhinos to the protected Ol Pejeta Ranch in Kenya until poaching pressures had eased. But despite initially approving the plans in January, the DRC government has now said this is an issue of national sovereignty and it should look after its own.

In contrast to the southern white rhino, which numbers over 11,000, the northern subspecies (Ceratotherium simum cottoni) is now considered to be the most…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop