this is so sad.
 

The Western Black Rhino,to be declared officially extinct this week.


http://www.seattlepi.com/news/articl...no-2264041.php

^^^^ I second that!!

^^^^ I third it :distress:

Not to be a debbie downer, but how will this affect your life?

:laugh::laugh: Oh, you bad debbie downer, you! :p:D

For me, it's not how it will affect my day to day life, it just disgusts me that, more than likely, humans have pushed another species out of existence.

But no, it won't affect me going to Tesco.
:)

because i have compassion for most living beings.

In addition to the moralistic concern, there is also Biodiversity.

If you didn't know about it you would not be affected in any way. These guys can be extinct and Viv is still gonna sleep well tonight.:sorry:

:lol::lol::lol:

Species have been going extinct on a regular basis since long before we came along - it's the natural order of things.

Right. We will go extinct too.....so relax people. Tis life.

Mick

But it's not natural, really. Poaching led to the extinction of these creatures, not some natural order. I'm pretty sure those rhinos would stand a fair chance in the world were it not for hunters and guns.

This is not a direct jab at you- just easier to use your quote for what I wanted to say. I do find it sad that some people don't seem to care about things that don't directly (or immediately) touch their lives.

I'm sure if it was Stevie who posted this instead of me , they would be all clamoring to save the rhinos like Stink on...

Don't take it personally.

thanks... I don't .

Yup. It's called selfishness.

Another result: today's ecomony.

I doubt it.

We developed a superior analytical brain, and we all know that brain will win over brawn always - 'tis why we are the dominant species on the planet.

But because we also developed the ability to have a conscience and feel compassion, we feel sorrow at the loss of other species.

But however sorry we feel we still strive to keep on being the dominant species, and always will until something more powerful is able to wipe us out - maybe the new dominant power will feel sorrow at our extinction, but it won't stop them annihilating us at the same time.

I doubt that a lot of people would give a toss if it was reported that an extremely revolting venomous scary insect was about to go extinct. It's just that the more aesthetically pleasing creatures tug at our heart strings.

But consider.......we would shed tears if the cuddly panda was going extinct tomorrow. But if it came down to a choice between said cuddly pandas survival and ours, then our own survival instincts would override everything else.

I just feel that a lot of people are probably very selective about the type of creatures that are going extinct every day and that they feel sorry about.

Having said all that, I totally abhor animal cruelty and hate to see animals suffer. If people mistreat their animals I'd like the same treatment to be doled out to them.

OK, off my soapbox now - but it's a good debate and everyone is entitled to their opinions and feelings.

Agreed. Though I hesitate to call the black rhino aesthetically pleasing! :p

My "sorrow" is geared more toward the apathy in humans in this case, vs. the animal itself. Each creature has its place on our planet for a reason. Poaching is illegal for a reason. I struggle with the idea that there are people who will use an animal for its ivory, horn, whatever body part can yield the most profit, and toss the rest away. And even though most(?) people would agree that it's wrong, it still happens.

even if it was made of gold it's still wrong !
the horn was believed to be made of the same material as hair and nails but recently they found

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episo...-fiction/1178/

Rhino horns are not, as once believed, made simply from a clump of compressed or modified hair. Recent studies by researchers at Ohio University using computerized tomography (CT) scans, have shown that the horns are, in fact, similar in structure to horses’ hooves, turtle beaks, and cockatoo bills. The studies also revealed that the centers of the horns have dense mineral deposits of calcium and melanin — a finding that may explain the curve and sharp tip of the horns. The calcium would strengthen the horn while the melanin would protect the core from being degraded by ultraviolet radiation from the sun. As the softer outer portion was worn away over time by the sun and typical rhino activities (bashing horns with other animals, or rubbing it on the ground), the inner core would be sharpened into a point (much like a wooden pencil).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjmtSkl53h4

Matt

sh*t, man I was just about to post that.....no joke:laugh::nod: But...yea there's the money......lol:nod:

Mick

I adored George Carlin. But I still have to disagree with the idea that poaching can be included into this argument. Poaching does not have anything to do with a natural process.

And I will always maintain that having a heart is okay.

As long as it's not snakes, rats/mice, spiders and armadillos
I would say that I do care for these endangered species up to
a point.

Clone the RHINO.