Research
Beyond support for applied research to enhance viability of captive populations, IRF provides many technical and coordinating services to the organized programs for management and propagation of rhinos in captivity. In North America, the scientific and coordinated propagation and management programs are known as the Species Survival Plan (SSP) and are managed through the AZA Rhino Taxon Advisory Group (Rhino TAG). The IRF Program Office provides the technical support for population management by the SSP and Rhino TAG. Programs analogous to the SSPs operate in other regions (e.g. the ASMP in Australasia and the EEP in Europe). IRF has facilitated exchanges of rhino and other cooperation between these regional programs. IRF-Supported Research
In 2006/2007, the IRF partially or fully-funded the following research projects:
- The Relationship Between Fetal Corticoids as a Measure of Stress and Amino Acid Status on the Onset of Superficial Necrolytic Dermatitis (SND) in Captive Black Rhinoceros, J.L. Brown and C.L. Dorsey, Zoological National Park
- Understanding the Mechanisms and Causes of Male-Biased Sex Ratios (BSR) in Captivity, W.L. Linklater, N. Zekala and P. Law, University of Wellington and Zoological Society of San Diego
- Why Do Captive-Born Female White Rhinos Fail To Produce?, R. Swaisgood, Zoological Society of San Diego
- Nutritional Ecology of the Black Rhinoceros, S. Helary, University of Liege, Belgium
- Use of Doppler Ultrasound Technology To Detect Indicators of Estrus, Ovulation and Cycle Fertility in Captive Asian Rhino Species, M.A. Stoops, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
- Early Fetal Sexing in the Rhinoceros by Detection of Male Specific Genes in Maternal Serum, M.A. Stoops and T.L. Roth, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
- Dietary Iron Absorption and the Role of Tannins in Eastern and Southern Black Rhinoceros, a Comparison, A.M. Ward, K. Slifka and T. Meehan, Fort Worth Zoo and Brookfield Zoo
- Feasibility of Rhinoceros Sperm Sexing Using Flow Cytometry Technology, Sea World, Busch Gardens and Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
IRF anticipates issuing a new
Request for Proposals in Spring 2008.
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