Last-ditch Attempt by Malaysia To Prevent Sumatran Rhinoceros' Extinction

KOTA KINABALU (Sabah, Malaysia), April 1 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has opted to prevent extinction of Sumatran Rhinoceros through application of advanced reproductive technology. Minister of Natural Resources and Environment G. Palanivel said Malaysia in particular the Sabah (east Malaysian state) government will make a last-ditch attempt to create a Sumatran rhino embryo in the laboratory. In this regard, the government has turned to specialists from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Germany) and Avantea laboratories (Italy). Also involved in the initiative are local financial supporter Sime Darby Foundation and non-governmental organisation Borneo Rhino Alliance (BORA). "In 2014, preliminary attempts were made in Europe using Sumatran rhino eggs and sperm from Sabah, while this year we plan to pursue this effort in Malaysia through further collaboration," he said. Palanivel also presented a US$27,068 (RM100,000) cheque for the advanced reproductive technology conservation programme carried out here by BORA which is working closely with the Sabah Wildlife Department. Meanwhile, he said the ministry would present a paper on conservation efforts to impede the extinction of Sumatran rhinoceros and other endangered species to the National Biodiversity Council. He said the presentation would lead to a stronger collaborative partnership between the federal and state government and ensure continuity of Malaysia's natural heritage. The council chaired by Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin is the highest government platform on issues related to biodiversity conservation. --BERNAMA