In the news: Sumatran rhino genome sequenced

Aug 18, 2016

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In the news: Sumatran rhino genome sequenced                
 
While the Black Rhino Genome Project works to obtain an appropriate biological sample, we thought we would share some exciting news from Malaysia. According to recent press reports, the Sabah Wildlife Department and Swedish Museum of Natural History have sequenced the genome of a Sumatran rhinoceros named Tam! We congratulate the researchers on this amazing feat. You can read more about their undertaking here:

 http://www.dailyexpress.com.my...

The world now has three of the five rhinoceros species sequenced. Once our project completes, there will be four. It's a great time to be a scientist!

Nancy, David, and 4 others like this.

3 comments

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anil prasai

i want to start my study in rhinocerous unicornis in nepal i am in initial step. I want to know the genetic diversity of rhinocerous in nepal can i get your research experiance.

Jan 31, 20170

PembientResearcher

Anil, we will send you a message containing a way to contact Dr. Murry. Additionally, we'll provide you with links to some of the other projects studying the genetic diversity of rhinos.

Mar 14, 20170

Maria ChavezBacker

Is there any way that supporters of this project can help in any way (writing letters, raising awareness) to help you get your sample so that you can complete your gene sequencing.

Aug 26, 20161

PembientResearcher

Thank you for your comment and concern. In the past, we've encouraged supporters to write to South Africa's Minister of Environmental Affairs. However, the University of Washington has recently informed us that the bottleneck now involves the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We'll issue a new lab note when we know more about how the Univeristy wants to proceed.

Aug 31, 20160

Cindy WuBacker

Progress for rhinos!

Aug 19, 20160

About This Project

Sequencing the Black Rhinoceros Genome

University of Washington

We are sequencing the genome of a beautiful black rhino. Her name is Ntombi, and she is one of only 5,055 black rhinos alive in the world. Three out of eight original subspecies have been poached to extinction and the remaining five subspecies are critically endangered. With Ntombi's genome sequence we will be able to advance scientists' understanding of this endangered species that has played a critical role in our ecosystem for over 50 million years.