International Rhino Foundation-Supported Research
Since its founding in 1989, IRF has supported scientific research, regularly providing grants for work that is directly applicable to management, propagation and conservation of rhinoceros species in nature and in captivity. In 2009, we received more than 30 pre-proposals for funding from all over the world.
Of these, 11 were invited to submit a full proposal for funding consideration, all of which were reviewed by independent researchers. IRF awarded funding totaling $240,325 for five projects, which was matched by $235,112 from other donors. The projects funded cover all five rhino species and span a range of topics, including:
- Radio frequency identification system for monitoring wild rhino populations (Raoul du Toit, Lowveld Rhino Trust, Zimbabwe - $25,000);
- Pan-African physiogeography and evolutionary history of the black rhinoceros (Michael Bruford, Cardiff University, United Kingdom - $53,945) ;
- Population genetic monitoring of Indian rhino in Assam: an evaluation of genetic diversity and population differentiation through non-invasive sampling (Udayan Borkathur, Aaranyak, India - $55,100);
- Effects of acid-base, electrolyte, energy and cardiorespiratory imbalances during capture and confinement on boma adaptation in white rhinos (Michele Miller, Palm Beach Zoo, United States - $36,280); and
- Genetic estimates of Javan and Sumatran rhino population size and sex radio using fecal samples (Peter de Groot, Queen’s University, Canada - $70,000).
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. Czekala 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 2012.
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