The latest Rhino News

Don’t forget – World Rhino Day is less than one month away! Find out how you can get involved in supporting the world’s five rhino species below.

Wild Sumatran rhinos considered extinct in Malaysia

A new paper published by conservation experts states that it is safe to consider the Sumatran rhino extinct in the wild in Malaysia.

The focus for the future survival of the species now lies with Indonesia, where wild Sumatran rhinos are found in three small isolated populations. It is estimated that fewer than 100 Sumatran rhinos now survive.

Scientists have identified four key actions needed to conserve the world’s remaining Sumatran rhinos. These include the need to manage all remaining Sumatran rhinos as a single metapopulation across national and international borders; the creation of Intensive Protection Zones; continued deployment by Rhino Protection Units; and captive breeding efforts.

Plans are well under way to send Harapan, the third calf born at Cincinnati Zoo to Emi and Ipuh, from the USA to the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary in Way Kambas National Park, Indonesia.

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Huge seizures of rhino horn in Vietnam

Vietnamese customs have intercepted an illegal shipment of 593kg of elephant ivory and 142kg of rhino horn.

According to news reports, the contraband was found in two containers on 13 August, concealed on board a ship transporting marble, from Mozambique via Malaysia.

Just a few days before this huge seizure, it was reported that 49 pieces of ivory and one rhino horn were intercepted by customs officers at Noi Bai International Airport in Ha Noi. Investigations are currently taking place into both of the cases.

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Uganda launches its National Rhino Strategy

This month Uganda has launched its National Rhino Strategy which will set a robust legal framework for the species’ management, while providing guidance and direction for rhino conservation efforts in Uganda.

Rhinos were poached to extinction in Uganda by the 1980s; however the establishment of Rhino Fund Uganda and the creation of the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary led to the re-introduction of white rhinos from Kenya and the USA. In future, the Uganda Wildlife Authority also hopes to re-introduce black rhinos to wildlife reserves.

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The importance of scene-of-the-crime training

The increase in rhino poaching across Southern Africa has put a strong emphasis on the importance of rigorous scene-of-the-crime training procedures, so that rangers know how to deal with a poaching incident if they come upon it.

A rhino poaching incident is treated as a serious crime, with police investigators undertaking forensic work to collect evidence. At a poaching scene, investigators will take away tissue samples and toenail clippings for DNA analysis. If the horn is recovered this can be matched to the DNA and provide vital evidence to secure a conviction. Metal detectors are used to search the scene for bullets and shell casings. Investigators also search for clues such as footprints or discarded clothing.

Save the Rhino has raised funds for two scene-of-the-crime workshops and training sessions, most recently for a course in Kenya held at Mpala Research Centre in February 2015, co-funded by Chester Zoo.

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Photo credits: Cyril Ruoso, Mark Carwardine, Harriet Ibbett, Rod Potter, Save the Rhino

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