The first whole-genome sequence for the Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) – one of the most endangered mammals on Earth, has been produced by the international team of scientists. They belong to the order Perissodactyla. A US team says that rhino’s troubles began during the Ice Age when its habitat diminished. Now, there are fewer than 250 individuals left in the wild. Their height is 3.67-4.76 feet and length is 14-28 inches (approx).The weight is estimated to range from 500 to 1000 kg. A study researcher, Terri Roth said: “This species has been well on its way to extinction for a very long time.”
There species can be easily distinguished by its thick pelage of short stiff hairs and the two-deep skin folds encircling the body between the legs and the trunk. The snout is decorated by the two horns; the frontal horn is more conspicuous than the nasal horn. They have poor eyesight, rely more on smelling to detect and hearing to detect what is going around them.
The first whole Sumatran rhino genome was analyzed by the researchers from a sample belonging to a well-known male at Cincinnati Zoo. Scientists were able to represent the population history of the Sumatran rhino from his DNA. Like many other large mammals, they had lost much of their suitable habitat about 12,000 years ago. Their number had declined dramatically due to human pressures.
Prof Mays said, “Their population bottomed out and never showed signs of recovery.” Dr. Roth added “The Sumatran rhinoceros species is hanging on by a thread.We have to do more to save it.” The species is listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and now confined mainly to Sumatra.
Over-hunting for its horn and other medicinal products has driven the animal to the brink of extinction said the IUCN. They are able to model how the size of a population has changed over time from a single whole genome sequence.
