I stumbled across a rather disappointing article that discusses the state of the northern white rhino population. Recently, 25% of the population was lost in an instant, because that 25% was one of four northern white rhinos left on the planet. That figure is crazy to consider, especially now that there are only three of these creatures left, all of which are protected at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. These animals were poached in great numbers for their ivory tusks down to the brink of extinction. This reminded me of the display at Cabela’s that featured the dangerous game animals to be hunted, promoting the pride of killing these kinds of animals without consideration for any implications The related southern white rhino was previously in a similar position, even thought to be extinct, until conservationists successfully built a 20,000 strong population from a small group that was found. Unfortunately, the remaining northern cousins are unlikely to reproduce on their own. The only way to save the population is through science fiction-turned-nonfiction methods, such as freezing genetic material to create a northern and southern hybrid and then a new northern embryo.

This story illustrates some interesting cultures regarding views of nature and the place of animals and humans. The rhinos are one example of many creatures that have already or are near going extinct due to anthropogenic forces on the environment. During this period of mass extinction, humans have pushed animal populations both directly and indirectly. They have hunted creatures like the rhino specifically for the ivory, and they have also propelled climate change by cutting down forests that provide a home to so many animals. People often do not consider the animals involved in the environment, whether they consider humans as part of or separate from nature.

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/nov/25/northern-white-rhino-extinction-endangered-animals-save

On a brighter note, I also read an article about a species that has struggle due to human impact, but that species now appears to be making a comeback. Baby saddleback tortoises have been found on a small Galapagos Island for the first time in over a century. I was shocked that babies have not been around for this long, as it would seem unlikely for a species to survive with such a low reproductive rate. Thankfully, these tortoises live long lives. Researchers found ten babies, and there may be even more than that. This shows that this species can reproduce on its own in the wild again. The population was decimated by rats preying on the hatchlings after the rats were brought to the island on ships. Extensive conservation efforts have helped the population by growing babies in captivity until large enough to not be eaten by rats, and they have also removed the rat population. This story shows both positive and negative human intervention in the environment. The population was first threatened because of the introduction of a new species on man’s ships, but the population is now being aided by passionate humans as well. This success story gives hope to conservationists for positive change.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/02/baby-tortoise-born-galapagos-first-time_n_6787578.html