EAZA Rhino Campaign Project K: Rhino Protection Units for Javan and Sumatran rhinos in Indonesia

Location: Sumatra and Java, Indonesia
Species: Sumatran (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis), Javan (Rhinoceros sondaicus)
Coordinator: Tom Foose and Nico van Strien, International Rhino Foundation
Type: Anti-poaching, monitoring
Amount awarded: 50,000 euros

Abstract
Both SE Asian rhinoceros species, the Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) and the Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus), are facing extinction. Currently they survive in numbers that are very small and their long-term survival is critical without help. The Javan rhino numbers only about 50 animals in two locations, with 95% in Ujung Kulon National Park on Java. Less than 300 Sumatra rhinos live in remote populations on Sumatra and Malaysia. Exact figures are difficult to give, but the largest populations occur in Bukit Barisan Selatan (60+) and Gunung Leuser (50+) on Sumatra.

The continuous strong demand for rhino horns for traditional Chinese medicine encourages poaching; while pressure from expanding human settlements reduces the size and quality of the remaining habitat. With so few animals surviving, the loss of even a few individuals may easily become fatal for the species. Therefore, it is vital that all surviving rhinos receive the strictest protection achievable in the wild and that, through evacuations from unviable situations, translocations and captive breeding, the existing populations can be reinforced and new ones established.

This project is part of a coalition effort between conservation organisations and the Indonesian government to continue the programme of Rhino Protection Units (RPUs) in Bukit Barisan Selatan (BBS) National Park (NP), Way Kambas (WKA) NP, Gunung Leuser (GL) NP in Sumatra and Ujung Kulon (UK) NP in Java, Indonesia. The RPUs are highly motivated anti-poaching teams, which intensively patrol rhino areas, destroy traps / snares and identify / apprehend poachers. This basic work is augmented by a law enforcement and advocacy program that facilitates prosecution of poachers.

This programme has been very successful, both in Sumatra and Java. Indeed, both the Government of Indonesia and the global conservation community have recognised the RPU programme as one of the most effective and successful conservation programmes for megafaunal species in SE Asia and indeed the world. With good protection and active management, both species can and will recover to viable levels, if funding for this project is continued for future years.

Support
With the money raised during the EAZA Rhino Campaign, the International Rhino Foundation will continue its efforts and support for the protection of the Sumatran and Javan rhinoceroses. The funds will help pay for ranger salaries, uniforms and equipment, ongoing training, vehicle fuel and maintenance costs, rations, intelligence gathering exercises and law enforcement.