SUMATRAN RHINO POPULATION PLUMMETS

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Mar 01 17:16

Sumatran rhino population reduced by 50 % in last 10 years *Jakarta

(ANTARA News)* - The population of the Sumatran Rhinoceros dropped by around

50 percent over the last 10 years due poaching and deforestation which

destroyed the animals habitat, a Forestry Ministry official said.

 

The population of the Sumatran Rhinos in 1993 was around 215 to 319, while

previously the number was estimated at between 420 and 875, Adi Sumianto,

director of the ministrys biodiversity conservation affairs, said on

Wednesday.

 

" Sumatran Rhinos are to be found in four locations in Sumatra Island s

national parks, and maybe in other areas also, " Adi said.

 

The habitats of the Sumatran Rhino, the only two-horned rhino in the Asian

region, were the Leuser, Kerinci Seblat, South Bukit Barisan and Way Kambas

national parks.

 

The endangered animal was now on the brink of extinction due to modern as

well as traditional poaching activities, deforestation and the fragmentation

of their habitats, he said.

 

" In the past, their habitats were connected to each other. But now, they are

totally fragmented due to the opening of forest areas for farming,

plantations and human settlements, he said.

 

The forestry ministry planned to restore the endangered animal s habitats in

an effort to boost their reproduction and population.

 

The ministry will conduct scientific study, which will include genetic

analysis (DNA) and distribution monitoring especially among female and

offspring in order to find out about their reproduction cycle.

 

" The priority might be to increase population of Sumatra Rhino in Way Kambas

National Park, he said.

 

The Way Kambas National Park, which is located in Lampung Province,

southeast coast of Sumatra Island, is believed to have four two-horned

Rhinos consisting of one male and three females.

 

The Sumatran hairy rhino, Dicerorhinus sumatrensis, is probably the most

endangered of all rhinoceros species in the world, which include Javan

Rhinos, Indian Rhinos and African Rhinos. There is no indication that the

situation is showing any signs of stabilizing. (*)

 

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