 Reference Base  Conservation programmes for Sumatran and Javan rhinos in ... |
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World |
| Subject: |
Conservation |
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Sumatran Rhino |
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In response to this crisis, the action plan for conservation of these two species in Indonesia and Malaysia emphasizes two major components:
(1) Anti-poaching teams known as Rhino Protection Units (RPUS) for both Sumatran and Javan rhinos, and
(2) Managed Breeding Centres in Native Habitat, currently for Sumatran rhinos but eventually perhaps for the Javan as well, both to propagate the species as a back-up for wild populations and to serve as centerpieces for a conservation tourism programme that can generate funds to support the RPUs and other in situ efforts for the rhino.
However, a number of aspects of the biology of the Sumatran rhino have complicated efforts to conserve the species. In the wild the Sumatran rhino inhabits very dense forests, occurs at very low densities, and is by nature very solitary, secretive and elusive. Hence, the rhinos, their poachers, and the anti-poaching teams trying to protect them are all to a certain extent wandering around independently in the forest with only intermittent contact. In captivity, the Sumatran rhino has proven to be one of the most complicated species in terms of both husbandry and reproduction of any mammal species.
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