AREAS (Asian Rhino and Elephant Action Strategy)

Better understanding of obscure mammal

WWF-Malaysia is working on a five-year project to save this endangered species by protecting its natural habitat, reducing poaching and increasing research efforts. The ‘Rhino Rescue’ project also aims to gain a better understanding of the ecological, biological and spatial needs of the Sumatran rhino. Knowledge gained from this study will then be used to prepare the Rhino Action Plan (Sabah chapter) and develop specific recommendations relating to Sumatran rhino conservation to be incorporated into forest management plans.

Long-term needs of rhino conservation against poaching and isolation
About 60,000 hectares in the Heart of Borneo, in particular the Sabah Foundation forest concession, appears to have the larger rhino population. For Borneo, the focus now must be on protecting the two remaining wild populations that have some chance of long-term survival; both in the Central Heart of Borneo. Rhino conservation issues need to be integrated into new management plans for protected areas to ensure long-term rhino patrolling and protection. This will include the enforcement system in buffer zones and restricted areas.

The aim here is to put in place a protective presence against the risk of poaching and to help identify long-term needs of rhino conservation by:

1. Providing an interim mechanism for the protection of rhinos from poachers in protected areas.
2. Generating information that may help develop specific recommendations for rhino conservation and protection to be incorporated into new management plans.

Other rhino populations in the Central Heart of Borneo are possibly too small to reproduce. In order to boost their size and genetic base, translocation of isolated rhinos from other sites - where the habitat is too small or rhino numbers too few to ensure their survival - is necessary. The species was recorded in the state of Sarawak up to 1987¹, but there have been no definite records since 1996. Similarly, there are no confirmed reports of breeding rhinos in Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo) in recent years, despite increasing local and international attention to forest loss and wildlife conservation in the area since the 1990s.  

Protected areas in the Central Heart of Borneo are safeguarded by ground patrol teams, organised and managed by WWF-Malaysia and SOS Rhino with support from the Sabah Wildlife Department and Sabah Foundation. An additional team is planned with the intention to seek rhinos for translocation. This second team will involve the relevant local management agencies (Sabah Wildlife Department, Sabah Foundation and Sabah Forestry Department) in planning and implementation. WWF-Malaysia will take a lead role via the AREAS programme, but other non-governmental organisations (such as SOS Rhino) will be invited to support the project.

¹Labang,D. 1987 “Chasing a Rhinoceros. Family tree” Sarawak Forest Department.