THE Cold War set NATO against a string of Soviet military bases throughout Eastern Europe. Now the two may come together to help save one of the world's most endangered species. Czech scientists have asked NATO to help fund an open-air breeding station for rhinoceroses on a former Soviet military base in Bohemia.
Josef Janacek, head of the zoo in Liberec, which lies near the German and Polish borders, wants 250 hectares of the deserted Ralsko military base set aside for African white rhinos. "The rate of reproduction for white rhinos is very low in the conditions of European zoos," he says. Ten captive rhinos die for every six that are born. To boost breeding, says Janacek, "the species needs different conditions, above all living on a larger area with more individuals".
Ralsko is good rhino country: a mix of meadows and woodland with plenty of freshwater and some sandy ...
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