25-60, Potential carrying capacity 70-360
very few, being deforested
13
375
2
1724
250-500, Potential carrying capacity 500-1000
22-36, Potential carrying capacity 220-440
5
All areas in India, 1447
130-200, Potential carrying capacity 140-800
80
7
1080
6-15
13, Potential Carrying Capacity 400.
40
2-4
3-5, Potential carrying capacity 23
1
2-4
2-4
2
25
65
536-962
6-15, in 3 locations
5-15, in 1 locations
1989, 80, Potential Carrying Capacity >100
sumatrensis, perhaps survives
6-7, in 3 locations
38, in 3 locations
58-109, in 16 locations
420-785, in 7 locations
10, area 2000 km? , perhaps protectable. Potential carrying capacity 200
2, Potential Carrying Capacity unknown.
Vietnam, Bugiamap, small numbers
1
375, Potential Carrying Capacity 400.
small numbers
perhaps survives, in 1 location
total 388
13
2
5-6
1
perhaps survives, sumatrensis
40, Potential Carrying Capacity 40.
50-54 +
unknown
small no.
small no.
unknown
numbers unknown, no information
7, Potential Carrying Capacity >100.
6-7, Ulu Selama, unprotected
perhaps survives.
80
2
3-5
32
former and present distribution.
50-54, Potential Carrying capacity ?<100
65, Potential Carrying Capacity >100.
unknown
50-54
5, Potential Carrying Capacity unknown.
375
5-15, area 600 km? , protection proposed.
Size of reserve 160 km?
3-4, Potential carrying capacity 15
6-7, sumatrensis
Recently it was discovered that a small group survives in the upper Limbang catchment in Sarawak.
AsRSG Action Plan. Development of captive populations in North America and England, as well as in the countries of origin is considered important for several reasons. 1. There are significant risks (eg. Disease epidemics, natural disasters etc.) Of having all the rhinos in only a few places. To ensure maximum security, the population should be distributed as widely as possible. 2. For long-term viability, the captive population needs to be larger than existing South-east Asian facilities can reasonably accommodate. 3. There are appreciable resources and expertise in North American and British zoos that can be utilized to expedite the expansion of the captive population. However, it should also be noted that for a variety of reasons the mortality among animals that have been transported beyond the borders of their countries is extremely high. Of the five animals moved so far three have died, a 60 % mortality. This does not compare well with the overall mortality of the capture programme in which five animals have died out of 17 captures (29.4 %). In fact the mortality falls to 15.4 percent (two mortalities out of 13 animals) if the mortalities of exported animals are excluded from the calculations. Therefore, it is essential that certain conditions be satisfied when animals are to be transported to foreign destinations. These are: 1. There must be accurate and as complete information on the animal/animals as possible. This should include complete veterinary records. 2. The animals should not only be in excellent health but should be free from any significant physical deformities or injuries. As far as possible the animals should be in perfect condition. 3. The animals should be physically prepared for their new homes and should be preconditioned, at least partially, to the new diet regime before they are moved.
Objectives: 1.To preserve theremnant populations in the wild. 2. Establish other populations in the wild. 3. Develop a captive propagation programme to reintroduce this species in the wild, but in a way that minimizes the demands on the tiny wild population. 4. To continue efforts to close down the trade in rhino products. General Recommendations a.Conduct an intensive survey in Ujung Kulon National Park, Java, to determine more precisely the size and composition of the population surviving there. b. Determine what resources are currently available, and those that are additionally required, to provide adequate protection for the population in Ujung Kulon. This should include a consideration of human needs in the buffer-zone outside the park. c. Investigate the status of Javan rhino in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. This investigation should be conducted in conjunction with the Kouprey Conservation Programme. d. Develop as soon as possible a captive propagation programme, based on information obtained by the intensive survey of Ujung Kulon and the explorations in Indochina. e. Formulate guidelines, and perhaps conduct a search, for a site to establish additional wild populations in Southeast Asia. Animals should be made available for reintroduction from the captive breeding programme. f. Introduce and enforce strict measures to ban the use of Javan rhino products in all countries, especially in Laos, where internal consumption is still permitted. More severe measures against poachers and traders are needed.
Species of coastal plains and river valleys.
1989, 1080, Potential Carrying Capacity 1080
Reserve, proposed national park, size 1600 km
Vietnam, various locations, Number unknown
Javan Rhino is legally protected since 1931. Ujung Kulon was set aside for the conservation of this species. The area is managed by the local wildlife directorate, the PHPA (Perlindungan Hutan dan Pelestarian Alam), which oversees the conservation and management of wildlife. This Directorate General comes under the Ministry of Forestry.
20+, Potential carrying capacity 120
The management of wildlife in Malaysia is governed by three different legislative measures. In Sabah and Sarawak, the Fauna Conservation Ordinance and the Wildlife Protection Ordinance make necessary provisions for wildlife administration respectively. The Sumatran rhino is protected by law throughout Malaysia.
shows 3 areas of scattered sightings in southern part of Laos on his map 2b current distribution of Rhinoceros sondaicus .
Cambodia, Various Locations, number unknown
small numbers
Size 350 km?
shows 9 areas of scattered sightings on his map 2b current distribution of Rhinoceros sondaicus .
Laos, various locations, number unknown
Vietnam, Nam Cat Tien, small numbers
1883, During the Krakatau eruption, the entire peninsula was affected by tidal waves and ash rains, which destroyed much of its terrestrial life.
1938, Opened for tourists
Size of area 1200 km?
AsRSG Action Plan. The current status of the species in Thailand is obscure, and requires investigation. If any animals survive, it is most unlikely that they do so in viable populations. As such, any animals would best be captured for a captive breeding programme (perhaps in conjunction with Peninsular Malaysia), pending reintroduction to a suitable site at a later date. Rhino products, almost entirely of imported origin, are still available in Thailand. Although rhinos are strictly protected in Thailand, there is currently insufficient legal capacity to control the importation of rhino products. The government of Thailand is strongly urged to take action on this.
AsRSG Action Plan. That the isolated subspecies lasiotus survives in northern Burma is confirmed by the continuing appearance of rhino products of Burmese origin in northern Thailand. As the situation permits, the status of the species in northern Burma should be investigated to determine the necessary in situ and ex situ conservation requirements.
The island is now in a phase of intense development resulting from Indonesia's transmigration programme and the habitat available to the species is being rapidly reduced. In addition to the sheer size of the island, compared to the available staff for protecting the species, makes adequate protection almost impossible. Even in areas where there is a strong presence of protection staff, poaching is active. This is evidenced by the fact that in a project to capture animals for captive breeding programme in an area where numerous wildlife staff are positioned, animals are being caught with fresh snares on their legs.
Hairy Rhinoceros
Recommendations for rhino in Malaysia. Malacca Zoo (Peninsular Malaysia) a. A captive breeding stock of at least two males and four females should be established. b. TheARSG should pool all essential data from attempts at captive breeding of the species (including from attempts outside Malaysia) in order to ensure that maximum possible use is made of the limited supply of animals. Such data would include aspects of physiology, pathology, parasitology, feeding, growth and reproduction. The computer database facility at Malacca needs to be upgraded for this purpose. This database would be of use to other breeding facilities at Sungai Dusun, Tabin, Ragunan Zoo, Los Angeles Zoo and Howletts and Port Lympne Zoo. In this way, Malacca Zoo would act as a reference centre for the overall captive breeding programme. Other areas in Peninsular Malaysia a. Rhinos in isolated and threatened areas will be captured for the 'gene pool' and captive breeding programme at Malacca zoo. When these facilities have reached the maximum holding capacity, the newly captured animals could be relocated in Taman Negara and Endau Rompin. It is also proposed that the Malaysian animals largely be kept within the country for the time being for the following reasons: - That no mixing of animals from the four major regions of the range be undertaken until there has been adequate genetic investigation of any significant differences between these geographically disjuncy populations. - That all the animals now currently being caught are prioritised for the captive breeding and gene pool programme, which will require between 10 and 20 animals. Once sufficient animals are available for the breeding programmes in the Peninsula, and if it can be shown that they are genetically similar to animals from other areas, then further animals, if caught, could be considered for overseas captive breeding programmes.
The species has been intensely protected by the Indian and Nepalese wildlife authorities and the situation until recently seemed under control. However, the expanding population pressure adjacent to these rhino areas, coupled with the great value of its horn, has recently resulted in significant losses to poachers.
In both India and Nepal, the programmes of protection and translocation should be continued. This is particularly so in India where there remain many areas which historically had rhino populations. These areas should be protected and new populations established in them through translocations from areas where populations now exist in sufficient numbers to be unaffected by animals being taken out of them.
8, area 1000 km? being converted to agriculture.
Action Plan recommendations Taman Negara and Endau Rompin a. Constant surveillance shuld be carried out on these populations. As a matter ofg the highest priority, the state governments of Pahang and johor should be enbcouraged to designate Endau Rompin as a national park. b. Extensive habitat evaluation should be carried out to determine the carrying capacity of the areas. This information is important to determine whether these are suitable sites for the future release of animals translocated from doomed populations. Sungai Dusun Wildlife Reserve (Peninsular Malaysia) a. The ?gene pool' concept, in which rhinos would be managed in a semi-wild state, should be implemented at this site. The founder population may consist of five breeding females and at least two sexually mature bulls. Malacca Zoo (Peninsular Malaysia) b. A captive breeding stock of at least two males and four females should be established. c.TheARSG should pool all essential data from attempts at captive breeding of the species (including from attempts outside Malaysia) in order to ensure that maximum possible use is made of the limited supply of animals. Such data would include aspects of physiology, pathology, parasitology, feeding, growth and reproduction. The computer database facility at Malacca needs to be upgraded for this purpose. This database would be of use to other breeding facilities at Sungai Dusun, Tabin, Ragunan Zoo, Los Angeles Zoo and Howletts and Port Lympne Zoo. In this way, Malacca Zoo would act as a reference centre for the overall captive breeding programme. Other areas in Peninsular Malaysia d. Rhinos in isolated and threatened areas will be captured for the ?gene pool' and captive breeding programme at Malacca zoo. When these facilities have reached the maximum holding capacity, the newly captured animals could be relocated in Taman Negara and Endau Rompin. It is also proposed that the Malaysian animals largely be kept within the country for the time being for the following reasons: - That no mixing of animals from the four major regions of the range be undertaken until there has been adequate genetic investigation of any significant differences between these geographically disjuncy populations. - That all the animals now currently being caught are prioritised for the captive breeding and gene pool programme, which will require between 10 and 20 animals. Once sufficient animals are available for the breeding programmes in the Peninsula, and if it can be shown that they are genetically similar to animals from other areas, then further animals, if caught, could be considered for overseas captive breeding programmes.
1989, Wildlife Reserve proposed, size 230 km
Protected area of 1560 km?
National park of 1400 km
National park, size 4400 km2
The Singapore proposals of 1984. 1. The primary goal is long-term survival of the Sumatran Rhino as a species and a component of natural ecosystems. 2. A comprehensive masterplan for conservation of the species will be developed, which will be collaborative and multinational in nature and which will identify and integrate all of the actions necessary to achieve the primary goal. 3. Development and oversight of the masterplan will be the responsibility of the IUCN/SSC Asian Rhino Specialist Group. 4. The conservation programme will include to following three fundamental activities: a. Development of an education programme to enhance pubhc awareness and support for the Sumatran rhinoceros. b. Provision of primary support for a programme of conservation for the Sumatran rhinoceros as viable populations in sufficiently large areas of protected habitat. c. Establishment of a captive breeding programme for the preservation of the genetic diversity of the Sumatran rhinoceros in the countries of origin, including Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, and in North America and Europe, using animals with no hope of survival in the wild. The parties are committed to contribute to each of these in each country as mutually agreed, with details subsequently recorded in a bilateral memorandum of understanding or similar document. 5. The following principles and actions are to be observed in the captive propagation programme: a. Animals selected for capturing in the wild are to be 'doomed' individuals or come from 'doomed' populations or habitats, that is, those whose future long-term viability or contribution to the survival of the species is determined to be unsatisfactory as measured by objective criteria subject to continuing refinement. b. Currently presumend subspecies stocks will not be mixed, either in captive breeding or in wild translocation, until further work is done on their taxonomy. c. The zoo communities will provide support and technical assistance in field capture and transfer operations. d. Bilateral agreements will provide for captive breeding programmes in the countries of origin as well as in the United States and United Kingdom. e. Animals sent abroad will be on breeding loan from the countries of origin, or under some similraly equitable ownership agreement of sufficient time span to protect all interests. f. All animals placed in captivity and their future progeny will be managed co-operatively as part of a 'world population' in the light of the primary overall goal of the programme. Decisions will be taken by consultation among the owners and interested parties with oversight provided by the IUCN/ SSC Asian Rhino Specialist Group. g. Bilateral agreements will provide for appropriate support, training and technical assistance in captive breeding in the countries of origin. End
AsRSG Action Plan, recommendations for Nepal. Nepal: Specific Recommendations 1. Concentrate efforts on areas in which reasonably viable wild populations (>100 rhinos) in the wild can be established. In Nepal, these areas are Chitawan and Bardia. A real benefit from intensive monitoring is that it reduces the amount of search time required to locate quickly rhinos of the appropriate age and sex. The continuation of the ongoing ecological studies in Chitawan also augments efforts to monitor rhino numbers. In association with the continuing reintroduction of the species to the Royal Bardia Reserve, a reserve employee should be assigned full-time to carry out an annual census of the reserve's rhinos. In addition, serious thought should be given to supporting a Nepali graduate student to monitor and study relocated animals. Radio-collaring all animals involved in the third phase of the reintroduction would ease the task of monitoring the status of the founder population. In and around both Chitawan and Bardia, anti-poaching measures must be maintained, and training of staff in wildlife and protected area management should be continued. Public awareness programmes need to be developed around both these areas, together with the investigation of methods that allow local human populations to derive economic benefits from the existence of the rhinos. 2. Calculate the resources currently available and those additionally required to provide adequate protection for these populations. Current resources appear to be sufficient to ensure the conservation of the rhinos at Chitawan. However, a recent report on the management of Bardia and its new rhino population has been submitted to the government of Nepal. Many of the recommendations in this report are worth pursuing, all aimed at improving its conservation status. The construction of an electric fence along the southern periphery of the Bardia Reserve is of particular importance. 3. Biochemical and genetic studies. There is still some question about possible genetic differences between the Kaziranga and Chitawan populations. Moreover, both current populations were once reduced considerably and both are probably descended from less than 60 animals. A genetic analysis of rhinos in Chitawan has already begun with the collection of 15 blood and tissue samples from free-ranging animals. It is strongly recommended that North American and European zoos cooperate in this endeavor. Nearly all the animals in captivity result from Kaziranga stock, so the estimating of genetic relatedness can be done without having to sample the wild Kaziranga population. 4. Continue efforts to establish new wild populations through translocations. Reintroductions should be limited to sanctuaries capable of supporting rhino populations in excess of 100 animals. A minimum of 30-40 rhinos should be used to form the foundation of new populations, and follow-up surveillance should be initiated to measure the success of such reintroductions. Nepal has attracted world-wide attention with its bold and highly successful reintroduction effort in Bardia. However, the most reliable data from the genetic management of endangered species suggests that this effort is only about one third complete. To maintain 90% of the genetic variability of the Bardia population for the next 200 years requires a founder group of at least 30 and preferably 40 animals. Because of the small number of founders reintroduced, the Bardia population faces a high probability of rapid extinction due to demographic or random events. At present, if no more rhinos are added to Bardia, the best available evidence indicates that the population might not last longer than 75 years before the deleterious effects of inbreeding start to threaten its continued existence. A greater invest- ment now will return real conservation dividends if the founder group is substantially increased. This is especially true if only a percentage of the rhinos relocated to Bardia actually breed and produce offspring. An important caveat in the relocation effort is that animals should be shifted only to those reserves which can ultimately support more than 100 individuals. In this light, the potential of Sukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve as a future rhino sanctuary must be considered. 5. Investigate alternatives to theproposed highway through the Bardia Reserve. The effects of the East-West highway on the integrity of the Bardia Reserve deserves more study and attention. It is essential that this new development does not cause environmental degradation in the reserve. 6. Encourage wildlife officials and the government in Nepal to participate more fully in the activities of the IUCN/SSC Asian Rhino Specialist Group. In this regard, the proposal from the 1986 Jakarta ARSG meeting that a future meeting be held in Nepal should be implemented.
perhaps extinct
Size 760 km?
National park of 700 km?
The management of wildlife in Malaysia is governed by three different legislative measures. In the Peninsula, the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 provides wildlife protection for the 11 states. The Sumatran rhino is protected by law throughout Malaysia.
State Wildlife Reserve, size 40 km2
AsRSG Action Plan, Objectives: Develop a captive propagation programme to reintroduce this species in the wild, but in a way that minimizes the demands on the tiny wild population. General Recommendations Develop as soon as possible a captive propagation programme, based on information obtained by the intensive survey of Ujung Kulon and the explorations in Indochina. This is is essential, since the population in Ujung Kulon is not large enough, and probably never could be, to be viable in genetic and demographic terms. The only possibility to ex- pand the population rapidly, and thereby arrest the continuing loss of genetic variation, is to develop a captive breeding programme. This should be done as a collaboration between the Indonesian Government and North American and European zoos. The programme will need to consider where the initial breeding centre should be located and how to expand the population as quickly as possible, and yet minimise demands on the wild population. - Formulate guidelines, and perhaps conduct a search, for a site to establish additional wild populations in Southeast Asia. Animals should be made available for reintroduction from the captive breeding programme.
1981-82, an unknown disease killed at least 5 animals.
One danger to these animals comes from disease, which could potentially wipe out the entire population. In 1981-82, this threat became a reality when an unknown disease killed at least 5 animals. In addition, any such small population faces a permanent threat from poachers.
perhaps survives
15-25, together with Lesten-Lukup
Protected area of 745 km?
Size 2150 km?
Research in Chitawan has demonstrated that the most accurate way to census rhinos is to photograph all individuals encountered.
Game sanctuary, 207 km?
Inhabits the mountains and forests of higher elevations.
Objectives: 1. To develop populations of at least 700-1000 rhinos in each of the mahjor regions of its range: Sumatra, Borneo, Peninsular Malaysia, and North-East Burma. 2. To preserve, manage and where appropriate expand all populations that have the potential to increase to 100 animals or more. 3. To determine if the populations in each major part of its range constitute valid subspecies or evolutionary significant units (ESUs), justifying preservation as separate entities by conservation programmes. 4. To locate or establish additional viable populations, especially on the mainland and Borneo. 5. To develop a captive population of 150 rhinos distributed in zoos worldwide: South-east Asia, North America, and Europe. Establish this captive population with at least 20 pairs of founders from the wild. 6. To experiment with the gene pool concept. 7. To continue efforts to close down the trade in rhino products. General Recommendations a. Concentrate initial in situ conservation efforts on the seven, or so, populations considered to be reasonably viable according to current information and analysis. b. Calculate the resources currently available and additionally required to provide adequate protection for these populations. c. Ensure improved legal protection status of all areas with viable, or potentially viable, populations (particular attention to be given to Kerinci-Seblat in Sumatra and Endau Rompin in Peninsular Malaysia). d. Conduct biochemical genetic studies, initially using blood and tissue from captive animals, to investigate if there is more than one ESU in this species. e. Organise surveys as soon as possible in Kalimantan (highest priority), Thailand, and northern Burma to ascertain whether appreciable populations of rhino survive there. f. Continue the capture of ?doomed' animals to provide founders for the captive population and the gene pool experiments, as well as stock for possible translocation after sufficient animals have been obtained for the ex situ programmes. g. Develop an experimental ?gene pool' in order to learn as much as possible about the management of animals (initially at Sungai Dusun in Peninsular Malaysia). h. Manage the captive animals as part of the overall conservation programme for the species, and discourage all movements of captive rhinos (including as gifts), unless this is endorsed by IUCN. i. Improve the effectiveness of law enforcement throughout the species' range with respect to anti-poaching measures and trading in Sumatran rhinoceros products. The strictest possible penalties should be applied to offenders.
Although this decline is in part related to habitat shrinkage and fragmentation, it seems likely that all these species have been declining for many centuries, principally due to the excessive demand for rhino horn for use in oriental medicine. This represents one of the least sustainable uses of a natural resource ever, and poaching of all three species continues today.
AsRSG Action Plan, Objectives - To maintain a captive population capable of long-term viability to guard against any unforeseen extinction of the wild population. General Recommendations - Expand the captive population to at least 150 rhinos, mainly through propagation of rhinos already in zoos. Evaluate the need for and benefit of more founder stock from the wild, through population viability analyses (PVA) and with reference to results from the ESU investigations.
