Learn the Lingo

Artificial insemination (AI)

The placement of a sperm sample inside the female reproductive tract by means other than copulation. Top

Embryo

A stage of development in a multicelled organism between the time that the zygote is fertilized and the point at which the organism developing from that zygote becomes free-living. Top

Embryo transfer

The placement of a fertilized egg into the uterus. Top

Epidermal

The first few cells of the skin. Top

Endocrinology

The scientific study of the function and pathology of the endocrine glands (e.g. the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, etc.) Top

Estrous

The period of sexual receptivity or "heat" of the female. Top

Estrus cycle (estrous cycle)

A reproductive cycle in some female, characterized by a short period of intense sexual desire (called estrus or heat) when the animal is fertile. The cycle occurs only once or twice a year, and involves correlating physical changes of the reproductive tract. Top

Family Rhinocerotidae

In the "Order Perissodactyla" there are three families: Equidae (zebras, Przwalski's wild horse, etc.), Tapiridae (Malayan, Mountain tapirs, etc.), and Rhinocerotidae. There are five species within the "Family Rhinoceotidae": black, Javan, Indian/Nepalese, Sumatran, and white rhinos. Top

Gestation period

The amount of time it takes from a successful mating to the birth of the baby. In rhinos, the gestation period is usually 14-16 months. Top

Order Perissodactyla

"Ungulates" with an odd number of toes. The rhinos have 3 large toes on each foot, and are of the "Order Perissodactyla." Top

Progesterone

A steroid hormone which is secreted by the corpus luteum of the ovary and is produced by the placenta during pregnancy; it regulates changes in the lining of the uterus (the endometrium). Top

Reproductive Hormones

Naturally occurring substances that regulate reproductive functions of the body. For example, progesterone helps to maintain pregnancy. Top

Reproductive Physiology

The study of the reproductive functions of the body. In relation to the rhino, this is another area of continued research and discovery. Top

Sperm (spermatozoan)

A reproductive cell produced by the male of an animal species which, when united with an egg (of the same species), results in conception and the development of an embryo.

Sperm bank

A facility where sperm are kept frozen in liquid nitrogen for later use in artificial insemination.Top

Ultrasonography

Ultrasound, is the process of visualizing the internal anatomy from outside the animal. The Ultrasound machine produces images from reflected sound waves.Top

Ungulates

A hoofed mammal, such as a cow, horse, or rhinoceros.Top

Chutes

Chutes are used to keep an animal (the keepers and staff) safe and secure while veterinary work is conducted on the animal.Top

ex situ

The Latin term meaning "in captivity"Top

Hippo

A whole 'nother animal often confused with a rhino. A hippo is NOT a rhino. This is a rhino site, not a hippo site. Please seek information elsewhere.Top

in situ

The Latin term meaning "in the wild"Top

Keratin

A fibrous protein, the chief constituent of hair, like a fingernail. The rhino's horn is made of keratin. This is believed by some countries to enhance their sexual potency.Top

Medicinal Properties

Some believe that the rhino's horn, ears, urine, blood, feces, hide, stomach, and tail have traditional medicinal properties. Uses have been for aphrodisiacs, sexual impotency, hemorrhoids, lumbago (piles, baldness, impotence and a bad back), arthritis, polio, bumpy skin, stiff necks, coughs, sore throats, etc.Top

Prehensile lip

The black and Asian rhinos have "prehensile lips," which means they are capable of grasping leaves and twigs. They can also be considered "browsers." The white rhino has a wide mouth, allowing its lips to graze along the ground, rather than reaching up for food.Top

Species

A biological classification composed of related organisms which can produce viable fertile offspring. The species is the most fundamental unit of evolution and is the most specific taxonomic level.Top

CITES

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) is a set of international regulations written to prevent trade in endangered species. Countries can sign on to the convention; however, China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand (leading traffickers in endangered species) are NOT "signatory" countries. The rhinos are listed as highly endangered, and no trafficking is allowed with any part of their bodies, including their horns. CITES is a non-profit organization founded by the World Conservation Union (IUCN), the World Wild Fund for Nature (WWF), and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). Its web site is www.cites.org.

IUCN

Founded in 1948, the World Conservation Union brings together states, government agencies, and a diverse range of non-governmental organizations in a unique world partnership: over 800 members in all, spread across some 125 countries. As a union, IUCN seeks to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable. The World Conservation Union builds on the strengths of its members, networks, and partners to enhance their capacity and to support global alliances to safeguard natural resources at local, regional, and global levels.

SSP

The zoo community has established Species Survival Programs (SSP) since 1982.The goals for the African rhinos is to "develop a self-sustaining captive population of black and white rhinos to provide genetic and demographic support for wild populations as the need and opportunity occur."The primary purpose of the Indian/Nepalese rhino SSP is to "assist with conservation of the species by providing a long-term self-sustaining captive population for: 1) a demographic and genetic reservoir for support of wild populations as the need and opportunity occurs in the future and 2) educational programs that enhance conservation efforts for the species. The program will also secondarily support conservation of the species by using the captive population for applied research and to attract funds for in situ conservation efforts."

TAG

Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) was established in 1991 to coordinate the Species Survival Programs at a regional level.

LEGISLATION AFFECTING RHINO CONSERVATION

The Tiger and Rhinoceros Conservation Act of 1994Introduced by Senator Jeffords on March 11, 1994 (S.1925) as the Rhino and Tiger Conservation Act of 1994.Establishes in the Treasury the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Fund, to be used for conservation project purposes. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to use amounts from the Fund to provide financial assistance for worldwide projects for the conservation of rhinoceroses and tigers. Outlines provisions concerning the submission of projects for such assistance and review and approval by the Secretary.Rhino and Tiger Product Labeling Act (Introduced in the Senate)

http://rs9.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c104:S.+1915:

Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2001
http://rs9.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?c107:16:./temp/~c107PLbnnL::

Query 105^th Congress w/ THOMAS
http://thomas.loc.gov/i105/i105index1.html

House Amendment #532

An amendment initiated by Rep. Neumann on
July 13, 1995.*HOUSE ACTIONS*Jul 13, 95 Amendment Offered by Representative
Neumann, of WI , (01). Jul 13, 95 On agreeing to
the Neumann amendment (A009) Failed by
recorded vote: 132--289 (Roll no. 503).

AMENDMENT PURPOSE: FROM HOUSE OR SENATE

An amendment, printed as amendment No. 30 in
the Congressional Record of July 12 to delete the
$800,000 in funding for the African elephant,
Rhinoceros, and Tiger Funds.