Rhino conservation supported by genome tools

Conservation of critically endangered eastern black rhinos in Kenya could be supported by genomic tools that help experts monitor and manage genetic diversity more affordably.

Roslin scientists are collaborating in an international project to develop high-quality DNA-based resources to monitor the animals’ populations and genetic diversity in Kenya. 

Eastern black rhinoceros in Kenya were once reduced to small, scattered populations, largely as a result of poaching. Conservation work has helped numbers recover, but many animals currently live in separate, sanctuary subpopulations, where they are at risk of inbreeding.

Genetic information can help conservation experts decide which animals to move between populations, supporting healthier, more diverse groups as numbers continue to grow. 

Researchers will use detailed DNA data from blood samples taken from 50 rhinos across Kenya to create an imputation panel - a tool that can help predict missing genetic information from other animals.

This approach could make it cheaper and faster to assess relatedness, genetic diversity and population structure across Kenya’s eastern black rhino subpopulations, giving conservation teams clearer evidence to guide long-term management.

The project will also create a new genome assembly – a detailed DNA reference map for the eastern black rhino - giving conservationists an important tool to monitor and protect the species’ genetic health over the long term.

Roslin researchers will analyse the genetic data, create a detailed DNA reference map and develop the imputation panel. They will also support bioinformatics training for staff at Kenya’s Wildlife Research and Training Institute, helping build capacity to carry out future genomic monitoring in-country.

The two-year project is being carried out in collaboration with the Wildlife Research and Training Institute and Kenya Wildlife Service.

The work is supported by the International Rhino Foundation as part of its 2026 research grants programme, which is supporting 11 projects addressing urgent challenges in rhino conservation worldwide.