Conservation of SUMATRAN RHINOCEROUS in Sabah
The Sumatran rhinocerous has been declared as one of the world’s 12 most endangered animals by the International Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. At the Asian Rhino Specialist Group Conference in 1987, the HARRISONI Species endemic to Borneo is considered the most endangered sub-species. At present, only 48.68 rhinos are found in the east coast of Sabah. Poaching is still as its highest.
Characteristics
The presence of two horns and folds in between it legs is the main characteristics of a rhino. It has a shoulder height of up to 120-135cm and weight, up to 700kg. It’s dark skin is covered with bristly hair; rhinos raised in captivity have longer hairs. This animal has a very poor vision but has extremely acute sense of smell and hearing. They hardly make any noise except when surprised and emit a loud sound.
Habitat
Sumatran rhinos can be found in the tropical rain forests and coastal swamps. They are solitary animals, but can be found in groups of 2 or 3 made up of one female and its youngs.
Soles
A rhinocerous has three toes
Diet
Rhonos feed on leaves and twigs that they pluck off from small tress. Fruits are also part of their diet.
Wallow
Rhinos spend most of their days wallowing in mud which is thought to be a cooling mechanism or to provide protection from insects.
Why is the rhinocerous population on the decline?
Poaching
Rhinos have been hunted for a long time due to the strong belief that all parts of its body, especially the horns, have medicinal properties used to treat a variety of illnesses. This belief has made the rhino business very lucrative. However it has shown a downward trend with the inception of the Sabah Wildlife Department.
Disturbance of habitat
Logging and land clearing have caused the contraction of rhino habitat. These animals are unable to adapt to the changing environmental condition. Despite the abundance of food in logged areas and secondary forest, the rhinos become more exposed to poachers. As a result, the rhino population get scattered making natural breeding impossible.
Protection and conservation
Legislation
The Sumatran rhinocerous in Sabah is fully protected under the Animal Protection Ordinance 1968. Anyone caught killing a rhino is liable to be imprisoned not less than one month and not more than 5 years. Heavier penalties will be meted under the new legislation.
Breeding areas
The Tabin Wildlife Protection Reserve and the Danum Valley Reserve are two breeding places identified for rhinos. Tabin Wildlife Protection Reserve has been gazetted on March 1984, an area of 120,000 hectares. Results of research indicate that there is at least 15 rhinocerous in this area. The Danum Valley Reserve is an area of 42,755 hectares allocated by Yayasan Sabah for the conservation of 12 rhinocerous spotted there.
Captive breeding
This is the way to ensure rhinos survive extinction and multiply in numbers. It is hoped that calves born in captivity, will one day be released in a fully protected environment. The Sepilok orang Utan Rehabilitation Center is currently raising 4 rhinos in captivity.
Strategies for conservation
The objective is to nurture independence in these animals for them to survive in the wilds. One way to achieve this is by strict control of the environment, keeping them safe from poachers, preventing injuries from traps meant for other animals and sickness.
Create new suitable habitat for rhinos, preferably with existing rhino population, such as the Danum valley.
Translocating individual rhino or a whole population from endangered habitats. Transfer operation is time consuming and require supervision to minimize injuries and trauma to the animal.
Rehabilitating rhinos by facilitating faster translocation to more suitable environment for the rhinos to breed. Rhinos from nearby areas are transferred to the Tabin Wildlife Protection Reserve. Tabin has a small existing rhino population but there is still room for new rhinos.
Dipetik dari : Konservasi Badak Sumatra di Sabah oleh Jabatan Hidupan Liar.