Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary Update

Sumatran rhinos have an important role as a seed disperser for ecosystem stability. Only 80  individuals left in the world, have been declared extinct in the wild Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and  Kerinci Seblat NP, Sumatra. The Sumatran rhino population is still facing a massive threat both  external and internal. An internal threat to the Sumatran rhinos that has been identified is the low  capability to breed since the remaining individuals are scattered in a fragmented habitat. Therefore,  the Sumatran rhinos are classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN (2008) and are perilously  close to extinction. The Indonesian government is very aware that the small population of Sumatran  rhinos is vulnerable to extinction. The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Environment  and Forestry, has issued a Circular Letter concerning Directions for Implementing Priority Activities  for Sumatran Rhino Management.

In terms of protecting Sumatran rhino, Rhino Protection Units (RPUs) in southern Sumatra…