The Last Rhinos!

Bornean rhinoceros are a subspecies of Sumatran rhino which is a critically endangered and less than one hundred are alive today. The Bornean rhinos lived in the forests of Sabah, Malaysia, which are rapidly disappearing. Sadly, only three of the Bornean rhino subspecies are alive today, and they all live at a Borneo rhino Sanctuary.

The newest female, Iman is her name, and she was brought to the sanctuary a little over a year ago after she fell into a pit trap. She has been referred to as the species 'Newest Hope for Survival.'

Borneo rhino from the article The Last 3 Bornean Rhinos Are in a Race Against Extinction by John R. Platt 

The Bornean rhino's rapid population decline is mostly due to illegal poaching. Their horns are recorded to sell for US$30,000 per kilogram. They have been over hunted for centuries, and with an ever growing human population, their populations began to decline far more rapidly than their reproductive rates.

Iman was thought to be pregnant on arrival to the sanctuary. As it turned out, her uterus was filled with  tumors that will prevent her from ever conceiving naturally. The other two rhinos at the sanctuary are male Tam and female Puntung. Unfortunately, Puntung is incapable of getting pregnant naturally due to reproductive tract pathology that is very severe, and is probably due to the lack of breeding opportunities in the wild.

The Malaysian government has invested nearly $30,000 in reproductive research and infertility and artificial insemination treatments for the rhinos. While neither female can conceive naturally, it is theorized that their immature egg cells could be combined in a lab with Tam's sperm creating embryos that can then be planted into one of the females' uterus. These efforts are expensive and sometimes a long shot.

Locals in this region often use rhino horns and dried rhino meat medicinally and as talismans for protection. The over hunting has been spurred by the desire for rhino horns and their medicinal properties. Combine that with the legal and illegal logging that is taking place in the Malaysian forests, and the rhinos are fighting a losing battle.

It is possible that there are more Bornean rhinos on the Borneo island as it is split into three countries. The odds are slim for the survival of this subspecies, because the two remaining females are not actively breeding, and the funds needed to pursue the research are not completely being provided. The money that has been invested is just a fraction of the estimated requirement.

Human impact on animals for profit as well as the destruction of their habitats are both major contributors to the Bornean rhino demise and many other species of animal all over the world. Add climate change and pollution to that equation and the result is going to be devastating.

Red Colobus Monkey

Scientists thought they saw they last of the Red Colobus Monkey in the 1970's, the last time it was ever reported being observed by researchers. Recently however, forty years after it was feared to have been extinct, two independent researchers were able to track it down in the Republic of Congo's
Ntokou-Pikounda National Park.

Taken by Lieven Devreese for National Geographic

The red colobus was first described in 1887, little is known about the monkey, and it is listed as Critically Endangered. Locals of course knew of the Monkey's existence and were able to guide researchers to the most likely observing spots. The difficult terrain that the monkeys call home is perhaps their best defense against predators. While it deters scientists from studying them, in a world where there are so few mysteries left, that seems appropriate.

The photo, taken by Lieven Devreese, one of the Researchers to rediscover the monkey, depicts a mother and baby Red Colobus. Non human primates are fascinating creatures. They come in all shapes and sizes with varying levels of intelligence. When looking into the eyes of many monkeys and apes it is clear that they see and recognize individuals. Their eyes show their mental capacity.

Photo taken by Isabella Talbott at Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary in Gainsville, Fl

Max, a Weeper Capuchin and lovable former pet made his permanent home at Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary in Gainsville, Fl. I had the rare and amazing opportunity to intern with these amazing New World Primates for six weeks. New World Primates are very different from Old World Primates. All new world monkeys come from Central and South America, and old world monkeys and apes reside in Africa and Asia. New world monkeys are generally smaller.

Being able to work with these unforgettable faces allowed me to learn so much, form rare and special bonds with these amazing animals, and feel the fantastic connection between the descendants of some of Homo sapiens closest relatives. Fortunately there are sanctuaries like Jungle Friends that take in retired lab monkeys and former pets and offer them an Almost Wild lifestyle and a safe place to reside for the rest of their days.

The red colobus monkeys seem to have remained hidden in a shrinking world of development and farmland as it encroaches on natural wildlife habitats. Unlike Max, the red colobus depicted are wild and habituated. They are rare, beautiful, and intelligent creatures who should be respected and protected. It warms my heart to know there are still some species clever enough to stay hidden and remain intact for extended periods of time. It makes me wonder what else is out there in the thickest jungles or at the bottom of the deepest oceans that we have yet to see, that is untouched by humanity.

Picture and names found in First Ever Picture Taken of Rare African Monkey by Stefan Sirucek for the National Geographic published on April 18 2015