Why in the News?
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- World’s first white rhinoceros In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) pregnancy could save subspecies.
- Scientists has announced the first successful embryo transfer in white rhinoceros using IVF method that could save Critically endangered northern white rhino subspecies from extinction.
- Other biotechnologies to protect species:
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- Bio-banks store biological samples (cell, tissues etc.) for research and as backup resource to preserve genetic diversity.
- Biosynthesis creates substitutes for animal-derived products like safer fungicides from printed DNA to protect endangered species.
- Gene drive can be harnessed to eliminate invasive species like rats with high efficiency and minimal harm to native wildlife.
About Rhino:
- Five species of rhino: 2 African (White Rhino, Black Rhino) and 3 Asian [Greater One Horned Rhino (Indian rhino), Sumatran Rhino, and Javan Rhino].
- Threat: Habitat loss, poaching for horn, climate change etc.
