The Greater One-Horned rhinoceros, Sumatran rhinoceros and Javan rhinoceros are all seriously endangered due to rampant poaching and habitat loss caused by human encroachment. Poached for their horn, rhino are caught by snares, pit traps, poisoned or electrocuted by wires hung from overhanging power lines.

The Javan rhino population is currently  estimated at around 65-70 individuals. With the identification of a suitable translocation site in the process, ideally, a second population will be established in the near future.

For the Sumatran rhino, the continual and sharp decline of this population means that urgent and bold action must be taken in the next few years if we are to save them from extinction. This must include utilising every tool available to science and the cooperation of government and NGOs for expedient action.

Wildlife Asia has provided significant funding to Asian rhino conservation programs since 2003 (through our predecessor the Asian Rhino Project)  including operation of the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary, Rhino Protection Units in Java and Sumatra, camera trap surveys, rescue of isolated rhinos, conservation medicine programs, and community education programs in India and Indonesia.

In collaboration with Forum Konservasi Leuser (FKL), our ongoing support for the operation of rhino protection units, reforestation, community development  and the professional development of key leaders in rhino conservation reinforces our focal effort to preserve this species in the Leuser Ecosystem.

We are also involved with the IUCN Species Specialist Group and  Wildlife Asia works together with local organizations,  governments and communities to achieve positive rhino conservation outcomes.