Exploring the limits of saving a subspecies: The ethics and social dynamics of restoring northern white rhinos (Ceratotherium simum cottoni). Issue 8 (9th July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ryder, Oliver A.; Friese, Carrie; Greely, Henry T.; Sandler, Ronald; Saragusty, Joseph; Durrant, Barbara S.; Redford, Kent H.
• Is Part Of: Conservation science and practice. Volume 2:Issue 8(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-07-09
• Subjects: Ceratotherium -- conservation -- genetic technologies -- genomes -- hope -- northern white rhino -- reproductive technologies -- saving species -- zoos; Biodiversity conservation -- Periodicals; Biodiversity conservation; Periodicals; 333.951605
• DOI: 10.1111/csp2.241
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2578-4854

Abstract

Abstract: 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 perhaps eventually a population to return to their native range. If this could and were done, how should it be done responsibly and thoughtfully. What issues and questions of a technical, bioethical, and societal nature will it raise that need to be anticipated and addressed? Such issues are explored in this article by an interdisciplinary team assembled to provide context to the northern white rhino project of the San Diego Zoo Global. Abstract :