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All Rhino Species |
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Chairman's report. The AsRSG Newsletter Asian Rhinos has resumed publication with issue number 3, March 2000. The objective is to publish two issues a year. A third editor Dr. L.C. ('Kees') Rookmaaker has been added to assist the ASRSG Programme Officers with this newsletter.
For Rhinoceros sondaicus (The 'Javan' Rhino):
In Indonesia, efforts to conserve this species have intensified over the last two years guided by recommendations from the Javan Rhino Colloquium conducted under the auspices of the ASRSG in 1997 with funds from USFWS RTCF and IRE
Rhino Protection & Monitoring Units (i.e. teams that conduct anti-poaching patrols and collect relevant biological data on the rhino) have been established on the model of the Rhino Protection Units (RPUs) that have been operating since 1995 for Sumatran Rhino. The RPMU Programme is jointly sponsored by the International Rhino Foundation (IRF) and WWF-Indonesia Programme (WWF-IP) with significant support from many of the WWF National Organizations (WWF-Netherlands, WWF-UK, WWF-US, WWF-Switzerland). The US Fish & Wildlife Service Rhino and Tiger Conservation Fund (USFWS RTCF) is a major supporter of this programme. a The latest track and transect census conducted in late 1999 in Ujung Kulo National Park has estimated the populatio at 43-57, i.e. numbers still seem to be stagnating around 50, despite the general assessment that the carrying capacity o Ujung Kulon is perhaps as large as 100. A photographic census using camera-traps is being conducted by Nazir Focad of WWF-Indonesia Programme (WWF-IP) with significant support from the Bowling for Rhinos Programme of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) through the Adopt-A-Park Programme of the Minnesota Zoo. A coordinated fecal-DNA population study is also being conducted by WWF-IP with support from the WWF system.
In Vietnam, a coordinated photographic and fecal-DNA census is also being con- ducted for Rhinoceros sondaicus, where only seven to eight rhinos are estimated (by track/transect censuses in 1998 & 1999). This project is part of the major programme for conservation in Cat Tien National Park with funds provided by the Government of the Netherlands and administered through WWF-Vietnam Programme. The first photos from this study have been widely publicized. The DNA part of the study is also being coor- dinated with similar research being conducted in Ujung Kulon.
ASRSG has been providing technical assistance for both formulation and implemen- tation of the rhino conservation action plan in Vietnam.
For Dicerorhinus sumatrensis (the Sumatran Rhino):
The Rhino Protection Units (RPUs) continue to operate in all areas where the species is known to survive in Indonesia and Malaysia. The RPUs do appear to be succeeding in controlling poaching for rhino, especially when compared to the situation for tigers which are being decimated in areas that are not covered by any anti-poaching patrols. Tigers are even being lost in Parks where there are RPUs but mainly in areas which the RPUs do not cover because there are few rhino there and resources are limited. Funds for the RPUs in Indonesia outside Gunung Leuser are provided mainly by IRF, WWF-IP (through donations from other WWF National Organizations including WWF-US, WWF-UK, WWF-Netherlands, WWF-Switzerland), the USFWS RTCF, the Anna Merz Trust, and the AAZK Bowling for Rhinos Programs. Funds for the Gunung Leuser RPUs are provided by the European Union (EU). Funds for the RPUs in Peninsula Malaysia are provided by the IRF and the USFWS RTCF.
A second major workshop was conducted in March 2000 in Indonesia and Malaysia by all managers and researchers from the 4 facilities that maintain the 17 (5 males and 12 female) Sumatran rhino under managed conditions. The participants reassessed the status of each animal and adoptively reformulated animal-by-animal recommendations in a continuing effort to reproduce this species under managed conditions.
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Asian Rhino Specialist Group (AsRSG)
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