The sixth rhino: a taxonomic re-assessment of the critically endangered northern white rhinoceros.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The two forms of white rhinoceros; northern and southern, have had contrasting conservation histories. The Northern form, once fairly numerous is now critically endangered, while the southern form has recovered from a few individuals to a population of a few thousand. Since their last taxonomic assessment over three decades ago, new material and analytical techniques have become available, necessitating a review of available information and re-assessment of the taxonomy.

Results

Dental morphology and cranial anatomy clearly diagnosed the southern and northern forms. The differentiation was well supported by dental metrics, cranial growth and craniometry, and corresponded with differences in post-cranial skeleton, external measurements and external features. No dis

SUBMITTER: Groves CP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2850923 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature