Northern White Rhino Months Away From Extinction - 22 Left In Congo [View All]

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"One of the world's rarest rhinos has been hunted almost to extinction by rebel troops in Congo. There are now only 22 northern white rhino alive in their last remaining wild refuge - down from 30 last year.

Unless urgent action is taken, the rhino will be extinct within months, conservationists say.

The Northern White (Ceratotherium simum cottoni), a sub-species of the white rhino that used to be found across central Africa, is being killed by rebel troops for their horns, which they sell for more than 4,500 (pounds) a pair to Yemeni craftsmen, who use them to make traditional daggers. The troops use the proceeds to buy guns, rocket launchers and grenades for their war against the government and rival factions.

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The Northern White was once found in Chad, Uganda, Sudana and the Central African Republic; the only known wild population remaining is in Garamba. Ten more rhinos live in captivity in zoos in the Czech Republic and San Diego, California. Only one Northern White rhino has been successfully bred in captivity in the past 10 years and the sub-species will be unable to reproduce in sustainable if the number of rhinos in the wild falls below 15."

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Telegraph

"What a piece of work is man! How noble in reason! How infinite in faculties! In form and moving, how express and admirable! In action how like an angel! In apprehension, how like a god! The beauty of the world! The paragon of animals!" - Hamlet, Act II, Scene II