Protection of the Sumatran rhino in the wild is a formidable challenge. Not only is the animal secretive and elusive, but their tropical forest habitat renders it more difficult to protect them. The task is becoming even more challenging as human populations expand while the political and economic condition deteriorates in the countries where the Sumatran rhino still survives - Indonesia and Malaysia.

The goal of conserving species in the wild is sometimes so difficult or uncertain that additional methods are needed. The conservation strategy for the Sumatran rhino is diversified and is comprised of three main components: (1) protection of rhinos in the wild from poachers by anti-poaching teams known as Rhino Protection Units (RPUs); (2) propagation of rhinos in captivity; and (3) a combination of the two in the form of very large managed breeding centers, known as sanctuaries, in the rhino's native habitat, where more space and natural conditions, especially diet, can be provided. The Cincinnati Zoo is involved and contributing to all three components.

The standard method for poaching Sumatran rhinos is with snares, traps, or sometimes pits that are placed along the trails that the rhinos use through the forest. The RPU's main job is to patrol the forests and destroy or confiscate the snares and traps. Each RPU consists of four to five rangers who have much experience and training in tropical forest work. In areas where RPUs have been operating since 1995, there have been almost no rhinos lost to poachers.

While there are about 40 Sumatran RPUs operating in southeast Asia, at least twice as many are needed. As the amount of encroachment and exploitation of rhinos and their habitats intensifies, the job of the RPUs has become even more difficult. Recently, for example, a rhino was lost to poachers in Bukit Barisan Seletan National Park in Sumatra even thought the area was being intensely patrolled by RPUs. Just a week after the RPUs had passed the area, poachers placed a snare along a rhino trail. A week later, the RPUs discovered a rhino, still alive and struggling, in a snare. There was a desperate and valiant effort to rescue the rhino which was deep within the forest. By the time field conservationists and veterinarians could get to the site to assist the RPUs, the young male rhino had died from a combination of suffocation, dehydration and stress.

There are currently RPUs operating in all of the main areas where the Sumatran rhino still survives: four major National Parks in Sumatra, Indonesia; four Parks and Reserves in Peninsula Malaysia; and two Reserves in Sabah on the island of Borneo. The RPU programs have been developed, supported and coordinated by the International Rhino Foundation in partnership with the Wildlife Departments in Indonesia and Malaysia and other non-governmental organizations like the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.

Excerpt from an article written by Dr. Tom Foose, Program Director, IRF