Far the most serious is the case of the two-horned rhinoceros, Didermocerus sumatrensis. It is not even especially reassuring that it occurs elsewhere in Indonesia, since the old Dutch game laws, inadequate as they were, are neither being properly enforced nor replaced in the remoter areas. The rhino has been hunted to near extinction in Borneo mainly for its horn, hooves and other appendages, which are highly valued by the Chinese as alleged aphrodisiacs. The introduction of firearms to the inland peoples in this century accelerated the killing of an animal which is tough (for blowpipe poison), scentless to most hunting dogs, shy and with good sense of hearing ; but very short-sighted and leaving a trail of mudwallows, stripped bushes and droppings which can be followed even weeks later. It is now theoretically protected in all territories.
One shot since 1945 led to a conviction (Sibu area).
One shot since 1945 led to a conviction (Sibu area).
The difficulty is to enforce any such law in this huge area. Nowhere in Borneo is there a separately organized game service or other effective protection enforcement.
Twenty years ago the rhino was still common over Borneo. Within living memory it came down into village areas and did damage in the ricefields of the Kelabit plateau.
Far the most serious is the case of the two-horned rhinoceros, Didermocerus sumatrensis. It is not even especially reassuring that it occurs elsewhere in Indonesia, since the old Dutch game laws, inadequate as they were, are neither being properly enforced nor replaced in the remoter areas.
Horn is used as aphrodisiac
The rhino has been hunted to near extinction in Borneo mainly for its horn, hooves and other appendages, which are highly valued by the Chinese as alleged aphrodisiacs.
