In recognition of the drastic and continuous population decline of the Sumatran rhinoceros, Dicerorhinus sumatrensis, the conservation community has identified this rhino as the most critically endangered of all the rhinoceros species in the world. In Borneo, they are mainly found in Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Kulamba, Ulu Segama, Danum Valley and Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, which are in the eastern half of the state. The North Eastern region of the island of Borneo is the last known location where the subspecies of the Sumatran rhinoceros, Dicerorhinus sumatrensis harissoni, exists. According to the AsRSG Action Plan (Foose & van Strein, 1997) in 1997 Tabin Wildlife Reserve contained one of the known reasonably viable populations of Sumatran rhino in Malaysia with approximately 20 rhinos.A survey conducted in 2005/6 found evidence of at least 13 individual animals. Diminished habitats place the rhinos at increased risk of exposure to poaching threats.
To ensure survival of this species, conservation efforts must combine community outreach programmes with intense research and vigorous protection efforts. Accordingly, in Tabin Wildlife Reserve, SOS Rhino’s (Rhino Protection Units (RPUs) directly engage villagers and oil palm plantation owners and employees in the effort to protect the rhinos through SOS Rhino’s Community Outreach Programme. By securing the assistance of these stakeholders, the RPUs can more effectively monitor and patrol the Reserve and cut off all potential entry or exit points utilised by encroachers thereby protecting all of all the flora and fauna in Tabin. In addition to assisting the Sabah Wildlife Department with these anti-poaching measures, the RPUs have helped gather important demographic information on local rhino ecology. The RPUs continually assess the Sumatran rhinos’ distribution and population density and this information is incorporated into the region’s wildlife management and protection plans. SOS Rhino has established a multi-dimensional multiple-stakeholder collaborative program that requires units to be highly mobile and responsive.
To date, SOS Rhino's field teams have 15 persons divided into three rhino protection units (RPUs). The three existing RPUs have been assigned to cover the northern, western, and eastern parts of the Reserve. Each month the RPUs spend at least 15 days in the jungle undertaking rhino survey and surveillance. During the rest of the month, the RPUs focus on their local community outreach programme. Each unit requires separate transportation so that they can visit several different locations in their respective areas. This programme helps to secure Tabin Reserve boundaries by producing incentives for local communities to become involved by raising awareness about wildlife laws and through the establishment of alternate income sources. At least one-third of the 15 field assistants or rangers are recruited from the villages and are taught wildlife conservation, animal tracking techniques and eco-tourism skills. SOS Rhino’s Volunteer Programme is building the foundations for eco-tourism concessions in the northern, western and eastern parts of the Reserve. The RPUs are responsible for various aspects of the volunteer programme, which generates funds for both the Community Outreach Programme and the villages around the Reserve.