The Official Rhino Newsletter
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24TH GNUSLETTER
Hello, the uncratedrhino.com and staff entrust that all of our readers, customers and visitors had a most enjoyable holiday season. Rthur has been busy these past few months getting together rhino gnus for our gnusletter. Rocky also has been helping with gnu rhino facts that will help to keep our gnusletter fans interested in our mission. ‘Saving rhinos one species at a time’
So get ready for the first gnusletter issue of the new year 2007, and thanks for being an Uncratedrhino.com fan.
US ARMY - IRAQ – Currently are using a rhino armored bus called the ‘RHINO’ They travel in a convoy from the Baghdad airport to the downtown area. Using bulletproof vests and night-vision headgear the soldiers are guarded for any violent attack. These RHINO buses are simply used as an escort for the US soldiers. In the dead of night the soldiers are also traveling in high-speed helicopters so they can roll in and out of the patrolled area. The US troop count is currently at 138,000, as of the first quarter 2007.
The UncratedRhino.com has a member of its staff currently serving in the US Army stationed in Baghdad.
Staffordshire ENGLAND – There has been a recovery of skeletal remains belonging to a Wooly Rhino. They were found in a quarry outside of Whitemoor , Staffordshire England. While archeologists study their findings, there were also other animals found as well, a bison, deer, wolf and wild horse and 3 additional rhinos. The wooly rhino turned out to be 7 feet long inclu ding an intact skull measuring 3 feet long. The pelvis and back limbs were missing, but the archeology team has continued to look for them. Lost possibly thru a skirmish with another animal of which, might have eaten them. The dig has been said to be 30,000-50,000 years old. Currently plans are to put the find on show at the Natural History Museum in London, England.
True or False Javan rhinos can be found in captivity today.
How far do rhinos usually travel in a day?
In the dry season, how far will rhinos travel to seek water?
Ohio University Journal of Morphology – Why are rhinoceros horns curved and not pointed? This has puzzled researchers for quite sometime. Horns of most animals have a bony core covered over by a thin sheath of keratin, exactly the composition of hair and fingernails. Rhino horns are unique because they are made entirely of keratin. Using CT scans the research team discovered dark patches in the center of the horn. The dense mineral deposits were made of calcium and melanin. Calcium makes the core of the horn stronger and harder for protection. Keratin makes a rhino horn bend backwards as the keratin grows a bit faster in the front than the back. This study ends the speculation of a rhino horn being just a clump of hair.
Steve Irwin ‘Crocodile Hunter’ dies at 44
The UncratedRhino.com would like to take a minute to remember Steve Irwin the ‘Crocodile Hunter. Steve was 44 and over his life span became known as the one person who stood alone to man handle animals across the continents. His TV show the ‘Crocodile Hunter, became the best way to show his passionate and conservationist side. The world has lost a great wildlife icon. He died doing what he loved best and left the world happy. ’Crocs rule!’ Steve you’ll greatly be missed.
It’s our goal to secure a place for this ancient animal in tomorrow’s world!
Black rhino numbers are rising in Kenya.
After all the massive conservation efforts we’re finally getting results. In Kenya, the black rhino numbers are on the rise after years of decline from poaching and habitat loss. The country’s black rhino population stood at 539 at the end of 2005 Compared to 428 in 2003. The year end totals for 2006 have not been tallied.
Jakarta Indonesia finds rare Javan breeding
Experts in Indonesia have discovered the evidence that four Javan rhino calves have been born recently, raising hopes for this species on the brink of extinction.
 Western Plains Zoo- A group of Berlin reproductive experts and the zoo veterinarians have performed the world’s first successful harvesting of eggs from a black rhino for the purpose of IVF.
Rocky’s Fun Fact Trivia Quiz
- Do rhinos really stomp out fires?
- When & where was the Javan rhino re-discovered?
- True or False Habitat loss is one of the most serious threats to rhinoceros populations.
- Rhino horns are not real horns at all?
- What term is used to describe a congregation of rhinos?
- What are the reasons for the continual decline of the rhino population?
- Name all five of the rhino species?
The 24th correct submission of answers to the quiz will win a crash of rhino prizes.
Rocky here looking forward to a great 2007!! We hope you enjoyed this issue of our gnusletter, and keep on charging!
Rthur, resident gnusletter editor
UncratedRhino.com
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To Read BackIssue 23, click HERE
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