Report on the Javan and Sumatran rhinos on the Thai-Burmese border

Reliable reports of the killing of one or two rhinos on the western border of Thailand, especially in Karnchanaburi, have been received almost every year. Boonsong Lekagul made a trip to the area on April 20, 1963. Most of the rhinos, both Javan and Sumatran, are found in the wetter and denser Burmese forests. He talked with a group of Karen hunters, who cross the border freely and shoot at any animal they come upon. He inquired as to the number of rhinos sighted and killed by the group and was given the following information: 1953 one male Sumatran rhino killed 1958 one male Javan rhino found, not killed 1959 three Sumatran rhino found, one female was killed 1960 a pregnant female Javan rhino killed; fetus was fried and sold for 500 Baht. 1961 one Kavan and four Sumatran rhino found, not killed 1962 one Sumatran rhino found, but ran away safely.