Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Let's Pat Ourselves on the Back

A critically endangered species of rhino is now extinct in Vietnam, according to a report by conservation groups.

The WWF and the International Rhino Foundation said the country's last Javan rhino was probably killed by poachers, as its horn had been cut off.

Experts said the news was not a surprise, as only one sighting had been recorded in Vietnam since 2008.

Fewer than 50 individuals are now estimated to remain in the wild.

"It is painful that despite significant investment in Vietnamese rhino conservation, efforts failed to save this unique animal, " said WWF's Vietnam director Tran Thi Minh Hien.

"Vietnam has lost part of its natural heritage."
~ from Javan rhino 'now extinct in Vietnam' by Mark Kinver ~
Way to go human beings!! We've kicked another species to the curb. We can't rest on our laurels, though. There are scads more species out there and we need to show them who's numero uno.

People, we need to redouble our efforts. If we let our foot off the gas, a few of these endangered species might be able to pull themselves from the brink. We can't have that happen, can we?

If we all get together and stick to the game plan, we can wipe every darn species off the face of the planet and then we will have the wondrous bounty this world has to offer ALL TO OURSELVES.

(FYI: If you hadn't noticed, the above rallying cry is written in a most sardonic manner.)

1 comment:

  1. The strange part is that the horn is generally used in Asian medicine (not as trophies)...what will they do when it's all gone? (NOt that I'm saying it's effective.) Perhaps Big Pharma is complicit?

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