 Reference Base  Conservation programmes for Sumatran and Javan rhinos in ... |
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| Location: |
Asia |
| Subject: |
Distribution - Reasons for decline |
| Species: |
Asian Rhino Species |
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The predominant cause of decline of Javan and Sumatran rhino is poaching for the horn. Considerable habitat loss has occurred throughout their range as forests are destroyed for timber or converted to agriculture, but the AsRSG estimates that sufficient habitat remains for at least several thousands of both species, even within the two range states of Indonesia and Malaysia. Consequently, while habitat and ecosystem conservation are vital for long-term viability, direct protection of rhinos from poachers is much more critical over the short term. Otherwise, habitat and ecosystems may survive but the rhinos will not, as evidently has been the case in Kerinci Seblat National Park where the rhino population appears to have declined 90% over the last ten to 15 years and by 50 rhinos from 1989 to 1991 alone.
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