Report on Conservation Success at The Wilds and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

The Wilds Wildlife Conservation Center has announced two significant births in July, marking a critical success in the global effort to protect endangered species. The births of a Grévy’s zebra foal and a greater one-horned rhino calf directly contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Key Conservation Achievements

Birth of an Endangered Grévy’s Zebra Foal

• Date of Birth: July 7
• Parentage: Born to a mare named “Lisa Marie.” This is her second foal.
• Conservation Status: The Grévy’s zebra is classified as “Endangered” by the IUCN, with fewer than 3,000 individuals remaining in the wild.
• Relevance to SDGs: This birth is a direct action towards achieving SDG 15 (Life on Land), specifically Target 15.5, which calls for urgent action to halt the loss of biodiversity and prevent the extinction of threatened species. The threats to the species, including habitat loss and reduced access to water, also highlight the interconnectedness with SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Birth of a Vulnerable Greater One-Horned Rhino Calf

• Date of Birth: July 18
• Parentage: The first calf born to a five-year-old rhino named “Rohini.”
• Conservation Status: The greater one-horned rhino is classified as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN.
• Institutional Impact: This is the 13th greater one-horned rhino calf born at The Wilds since 2005, demonstrating a sustained commitment to species recovery.
• Relevance to SDGs: The successful birth supports SDG 15 (Life on Land) by increasing the population of a vulnerable species and safeguarding genetic diversity.

Contribution to Global Biodiversity and Sustainable Development Goals

Addressing SDG 15: Life on Land

The births are a tangible outcome of conservation programs designed to protect and restore terrestrial ecosystems and halt biodiversity loss. By managing and breeding threatened and endangered species, The Wilds actively contributes to the targets of SDG 15.

1. Protecting Threatened Species: The program directly addresses the “Endangered” status of the Grévy’s zebra and the “Vulnerable” status of the greater one-horned rhino.
2. Halting Biodiversity Loss: Each successful birth within a managed care program is a step towards preventing extinction and preserving the planet’s biodiversity for future generations.

Fostering SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

These conservation successes are not achieved in isolation. The Wilds’ participation in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP) exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

• Collaborative Action: The SSP is a cooperative program among multiple institutions designed to manage the populations of threatened and endangered species.
• Shared Expertise: This partnership model allows for the sharing of genetic material, scientific data, and conservation strategies to ensure the long-term health and genetic diversity of these species. As stated by Joe Smith, Vice President and Director of The Wilds, “These two births are a celebration for The Wilds, our community, and for global conservation efforts.”

Institutional Commitment and Program Summary

The Wilds’ Species Survival Plan (SSP)

The primary objective of participating in the SSP is to ensure the existence of healthy, genetically diverse populations of vulnerable species in professional care. This serves as a crucial safeguard against extinction in the wild.

Historical Success in Rhino Conservation

The Wilds has a proven track record in rhino conservation, which underscores its long-term commitment to SDG 15.

• The facility is home to six greater one-horned rhinos and 15 southern white rhinos.
• In total, 33 white rhinos and 13 greater one-horned rhinos have been born at The Wilds, contributing significantly to the global population of these species.

SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

• SDG 15: Life on Land

  This goal is central to the article, which focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. The entire narrative revolves around the conservation efforts for endangered land animals, specifically the Grévy’s zebra and the greater one-horned rhino. The article highlights actions taken to combat biodiversity loss and protect threatened species, which are core components of SDG 15.

Specific Targets Under SDGs Identified from the Article’s Content

SDG 15: Life on Land

1. Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.

   The article directly addresses this target by focusing on two threatened species. It explicitly mentions the conservation status of the Grévy’s zebra as “critically endangered” and the greater one-horned rhino as “vulnerable.” The successful births are presented as a “significant milestone” in the effort to “protect and prevent the extinction” of these animals. The work of The Wilds is part of a “Species Survival Plan” designed to ensure “healthy, genetically diverse populations of threatened and endangered species.”

2. Target 15.7: Take urgent action to end poaching and trafficking of protected species of flora and fauna and address both demand and supply of illegal wildlife products.

   While the article does not explicitly mention poaching, the species discussed—rhinos and zebras—are well-known victims of illegal poaching and trafficking. The conservation efforts described, such as breeding programs within the protected environment of The Wilds, are a crucial part of the strategy to safeguard these species from such external threats and ensure their survival. The “Species Survival Plan” is an urgent action to build resilient populations against all threats, including illegal wildlife trade.

3. Target 15.c: Enhance global support for efforts to combat poaching and trafficking of protected species, including by increasing the capacity of local communities to pursue sustainable livelihood opportunities.

   The article points to this target by highlighting the collaborative nature of the conservation work. It mentions that The Wilds’ program is part of the “Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan” and that the births are a “celebration for… global conservation efforts.” This demonstrates a network of support and collaboration aimed at protecting these species, which is the essence of Target 15.c.

Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

Indicators for Target 15.5

• Conservation Status on the IUCN Red List: The article explicitly uses this indicator, stating that “the greater one-horned rhino is classified as ‘vulnerable,’ and the Grévy’s zebra as ‘endangered'” according to the “International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species.” This is a direct measure of the threat level faced by these species.
• Wild Population Estimates: A quantitative indicator is provided for the Grévy’s zebra, with the article noting there are “fewer than 3,000 left in the wild.” This number helps quantify the urgency of the conservation efforts.
• Success Rate of Conservation Breeding Programs: The article provides specific numbers that serve as indicators of the program’s success. It states this is the “13th greater one-horned rhino calf born at The Wilds since 2005” and that “33 white rhinos have been born at The Wilds throughout its history.” These figures measure the progress of *ex-situ* (off-site) conservation actions.

Indicators for Targets 15.7 and 15.c

• Implementation of Conservation Plans: The existence of and participation in the “Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan” is a key indicator. The article describes the plan’s goal to “ensure healthy, genetically diverse populations,” which serves as a qualitative measure of the institutional response to protect threatened species.
• Collaborative Efforts: The mention of “global conservation efforts” and the partnership with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums implies a network of institutions working together, indicating the level of global support for protecting these species.

Summary of Findings

Source: dispatch.com