Intl Rhino Foundation

Microchips to the Rhinos' Rescue

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:00:00 GMT

All rhinoceros horns in South Africa are to be microchipped in an attempt to curb the "dramatic" increase in the poaching and illegal trade of rhino horns in the country.

Earlier this month a young, hand-reared and tame black rhino was shot and had its horns slashed off for illegal trade. The killing came two days after government announced a halt on the sale of rhinoceros horn.

Six-year-old Moêng was the third rhino shot in the Melkrivier area of Limpopo in a period of two weeks.

Conservationists fear that poaching may escalate as a result of the decision by the department of energy affairs and tourism to cut down on rhino hunting. One response to the illicit rhino horn trade is the micro-chip project, which will see samples taken from horns of dead rhino stored in registered containers and kept safe for future use in DNA finger printing. This will allow ivory to be tracked and illegal exports or sales detected.

The black rhino is listed as endangered and, under the Convention for International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites), it is illegal for rhino horns to be sold to overseas buyers.

"Only five black rhinos can be hunted each year and only male rhinos that don't contribute in reproduction can be hunted," said Sonja Meintjies, the deputy director of diversity compliance at the department.

Moêng's owner, conservationist Clive Walker, said that poaching is a threat to rhinos across the country. South Africa is home to about 1 300 black and 13 500 white rhino. "This appalling act of killing an endangered animal underscores the serious situation facing both species of rhino in South Africa, which has seen an unprecedented increase in rhino poaching."

The government has attempted to protect rhinos by ruling that legally hunters can kill only one rhino a year. "We have resorted to a system of one animal per hunter, per year, which decreases the chances of illegal trade," Meintjies said.

In a speech in June Environment Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk specifically mentioned the threat to this member of the "Big Five", saying about 27 white rhino had been killed in the Kruger National Park in the last two years and there had been a definite increase in incidents in other parts of the country.

27-Aug-08 7:00 AM

Injured Rhino rescued in Sabah

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 15:15:00 GMT

KOTA KINABALU: A critically endangered male Sumatran Rhinoceros was rescued and transferred to a wildlife reserve in a two-week operation in the east coast of Sabah.

The rhino, a specie on the brink of extinction, was found wandering at an oil palm plantation neighbouring a forest area in Sabah’s east coast on Aug 5 when the Sabah Wildlife Department launched the rescue.

“It was obvious that the rhino was injured to some degree as it left its forest to a flat terrain of the oil palm plantation,” Dr Senthilvel Nathan, the department’s chief field veterinarian said yesterday.

Dr Senthilvel, who headed the rescue operation, said no sedatives were used on the rhino.

He and veterinarian Dr Roza Sipagkui assessed the rhino's health before allowing its transfer via a four-hour road journey to Tabin.

It was a delicate operation as we had to make sure that the rhino was not stressed out,” he said.

Rangers and veterinarians stayed close to the rhino for 10 days to habituate their presence to it before getting close enough to check its condition and prepare it for the journey.

The rangers were supported by experts from SOS Rhino Borneo and WWF Malaysia.

The department’s director, Lautentius Ambu, thanked Unico Estate general manager Chew Beng Hock and Temenggong Estate manager Gucharan Singh for informing and assisting the department in transporting the rhino.

24-Aug-08 10:15 AM

Floods Hit Pobitora Wildlife sanctuary

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 15:00:00 GMT

GUWAHATI, Aug 23 – Floods have affected the Pobitora wildlife sanctuary, forcing many animals, especially rhinos, to leave the sanctuary and seek shelter in adjoining areas. “Following the floods, some rhinos have strayed into Kamarpara and Bhurbandha areas. We have intensified patrolling in these areas as well, and a number of forest staff along with department elephants have been stationed there to keep strict vigil on the movement of the rhinos,” Mukul Tamuly, Ranger of the sanctuary, told The Assam Tribune.

Tamuly, however, said that the flood situation in Pobitora was not as alarming as it was last year. “Last year almost all the animals had to take shelter in the artificial highlands inside the sanctuary, and we had to provide fodder to the herbivores as the floods caused a food shortage. This year, the woodlands are free from floodwater, and many animals are staying there,” he said, adding that the floods had shown a receding trend from today.

There has been no report of any flood-related animal casualty so far. About a dozen animals, mostly wild boars, had died in last year’s flood in Pobitora.

Of the 22 camps in the sanctuary, four have come under water, while some others have been partially submerged. “We have strengthened our water patrolling by inducting ten additional boats, and are maintaining round-the-clock surveillance,” Surajit Dutta, DFO, Guwahati Wildlife Division, said.

Dutta said that following last year’s devastating flood in Pobitora, a new 900-metre-long highland was constructed. “This was a timely move and is now serving the animals well,” he said.

Pobitora shelters an incredible 81 rhinos in just 38.81 sq-km area. Known mainly for its rhino population, Pobitora is also a birdwatcher’s paradise with 216 winged species, many of them migratory. It has 24 species of mammals and 27 reptiles that include buffalo, leopard, leopard cat, fishing cat, wild boar, jungle cat, civet, rhesus macaque, pangolin, python, freshwater crocodile (gharial), gangetic dolphin, monitor lizard, etc.

Pobitora’s habitat is predominantly grassland (66.90 per cent), interspersed with woodland (18.44 per cent) and wetland (14.66 per cent).

The main problems in Pobitora are excessive livestock grazing, recurring floods, siltation in its wetlands, encroachment, poaching, invasion of weeds, etc. Interestingly, its thriving rhino population is also a matter of concern, as it is already considered overpopulated. Recently, a few rhinos from Pobitora were translocated to Manas National Park.

23-Aug-08 10:00 AM

Endangered Sumatran Rhino Found Wandering Sent To Tabin Wildlife

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 15:00:00 GMT

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 23 (Bernama) -- Scoring a major stride in conservation work for the critically-endangered Sumatran Rhinoceros, the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) rescued a bull which was found wandering at a oil palm plantation in Sabah's east coast.

Following a two-week rescue operation, a team from the SWD transferred the animal to the Tabin Wildlife Reserve.

On Aug 5, the rhino - despite its strong sense of smell - had wandered into the plantation, an uncommon habitat for the animal as it tends to stay away from humans.

In fact, knowledge in recent years of the rhinos in Sabah's wilderness is only through pictures or videos taken through cameras set up for monitoring purposes.

It is estimated that only 30 of the Sumatran Rhino sub-species remain in Sabah's wildlife.

In the press statement today, the department's chief field veterinarian, Dr Senthilvel Nathan, who led the rescue operation said:

"It was obvious that the rhino was injured to some degree as it left its forest which had difficult terrain, to come out on the flat terrain of the oil palm plantation.

"It was a delicate operation as we had to make sure that the rhino was not stressed by having humans so close to it.

"When we first got there, the rhino showed signs of aggression and made mock charges at us but we kept our distance and left leaves and fruits for it to eat as the oil palm environment was not suitable for wildlife," he added.

Also on the ground providing support was Sabah-based, non-governmental organisation SOS Rhino Borneo and international NGO, WWF-Malaysia.

The rescued rhino is believed to be the same one which was captured on WWF-Malaysia's camera and video trap in February last year, as part of its rhino tracking efforts in the same area.

The Tabin Wildlife Reserve, located east of Lahad Datu, is recognised as the new Borneo Sumatran Rhino sanctuary.

"The rescue of this adult male rhino in his prime is timely as the department is addressing the rhino population issue by launching a semi-captive rhino breeding programme based in Tabin," said SWD director Laurentius Ambu.

The state government is currently working to raise the estimated RM20 million needed to set-up the fully fenced and protected area for the semi-captivity programme, which could be up to 1,000 hectares in size.

23-Aug-08 10:00 AM

Black Rhino Baby Runs Wild at the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:00:00 GMT

San Diego, California - A couple of mule deer steer clear of a black rhino calf while he runs around his habitat on Thursday. This calf, which has yet to be named, was born at the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park on July 17, 2008. He weighs about 150 pounds and can be expected to reach a weight of 2500 pounds.

Despite their size and weight, black rhinos are known to run at speeds up to 40 miles per hour.
The black rhino is native to eastern and southern Africa and is considered an endangered species. The Wild Animal Park has the most successful captive breeding program for rhinos anywhere in the world. This is the 12th black rhino born at the Park and the third calf born to parents Lembi and Jambia.

Another name used for the black rhino is "hook-lipped" because of its prehensile lip that is used like a finger to pull leaves, twigs and grasses into its mouth. Guests at the Wild Animal Park can see the rhino calf and his mother from the Journey into Africa or Photo Caravan tours at the Park.

22-Aug-08 1:00 PM

Man Fined for Possessing Rhino Horns

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:00:00 GMT

By Goweditswe Kome

FRANCISTOWN - The Francistown Magistrate Court has fined Almero Mattheus P10 000 or one year imprisonment for unlawful possession of eight rhino horns valued at more than P2.1 million .

According to facts of the case, Mattheus entered Botswana through Ramokgwebana Border Post en-route to South Africa on July 31.

The court learnt that during immigration formalities, the police and immigration officers conducted a search in the vehicle he was driving and eight rhino horns were retrieved.
State counsel Mr Thebeetsile Mulalu told the court that the accused was unable to produce a license entitling him to be in possession of the said horns.

The horns were submitted to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs where they were weighed and measured and a certificate was duly completed showing that the eight rhino horns weigh 13.263 kilograms and were valued at more than P2.1 million.

In mitigation, Defence Counsel Mr Bengbame Sechele said the accused was a first offender, single and a consultant with Time Share Holdings in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Mr Sechele said this was the accused first visit in this country and that he was arrested on transit.

He said the accused was on holiday and came across the horns when someone in Zimbabwe presented them to him at a price of R4 000.

“The horns had screws and timber that shows they were trophies mounted somewhere.”
In addition, he said the horns were old and the accused accepted them as curios.

He told the court the horns were not less than 20 years old and a price of more than P2 million created a problem as it appeared to be an over value.

The court also heard that a life rhinoceros was worth P250 000.

He urged court to show mercy and impose a sentence that would demonstrate one pillar of Vision 2016 of being compassionate.

He noted that the horns were not proceeds of poaching expedition that Botswana was trying to curb.

Passing judgement Francistown Chief Magistrate Ms Lorraine Makati-Lesang said the court had considered the accused personal circumstances as said by his representative in mitigation.

She said the law strongly protected wildlife from poachers, noting that the accused had no previous brushes with the law .

Ms Makati-Lesang said the horns appeared to be old and this showed that they were not hunted by the accused.

She said the accused showed remorse and had pleaded guilty to the offence.

22-Aug-08 9:00 AM

A Rhino's Tough Skin

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Sometimes it takes a little courage and tough skin to handle a medical shot. Zookeepers at the Great Plains Zoo have trained one kind of animal to be comfortable, for the sake of their health.

There's something familiar about today to rhinos Jubea, Kapuki, and Imara. It's something trainers worked a year-and-a-half for them to remember. It's time for their annual medical shots. Zookeeper Cassandra Williams of Great Plains Zoo says, "We do a blood draw, a complete blood count to make sure all their organs are working good."

Trainers teach them to stay close while enduring the pain from the needle. Consulting veteranarian Dayton Sampson says, "The way we overcome that is to reinforce them immediately, for staying with us for getting their needle poked." The tennis ball keeps their focus, while the treat of fruit and yams keep them happy enough to stay a while.

And no matter how friendly they do get, There's a reason the horn points outward. Sampson says, "It's really important with an animal like this. You can't force them to do anything. So anything that needs to be done to take care of them has to be done voluntarily." Williams says, "You kind of treat them like they're your puppy or kitten or something like that. Of course they're not. They're much dangerous than that."

And just a little bigger.

The rhinos are only three out of 69 rhinos in captivity.

Watch the video!

http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail6371.cfm?Id=0,73101

22-Aug-08 8:00 AM

International Rhino Task Force to Combat Illegal Poaching and Trade

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Cambridge, UK, 20 August 2008—The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is establishing a Rhinoceros Enforcement Task Force to counter rising levels of rhino poaching and illicit horn trade in Asia and Africa.

The move follows a report from the CITES Secretariat expressing concerns over reports of increasing poaching and illegal trade in rhinoceros horn, and the highly-organized nature of these activities. The report noted that considerable profits appear to be involved in rhino poaching, with strong grounds to suspect the involvement of money-laundering.

TRAFFIC and WWF welcomed the initiative: “Countries in Asia and Africa are up against an insidious, organized illegal rhino horn trade, which can only be stopped through the formation of the rhino task force,” said Dr Susan Lieberman, Head of WWF International’s Species Programme.

Despite some noteworthy enforcement successes in southern Africa and South Asia, the plight of rhinos in Asia and Africa is growing ever more alarming. In Zimbabwe, currently around 70% of all detected rhino deaths are of animals killed illegally, a particularly worrying statistic given there are effectively no new, safe areas to move animals to.

In Asia, poachers have targeted rhinos in Indian national parks, with more than 35 rhinos killed in and around Kaziranga National Park in Assam since 2007, and rhino populations in Orang also being poached. The sudden upsurge in rhino killings is a major challenge for regional enforcement agencies, and the Army has been called in for support. WWF and TRAFFIC are also co-ordinating emergency support. Between 2000 and 2006, over 130 rhinos were killed in various parts of Nepal. With civil unrest affecting large parts of the country, poachers apparently took advantage of the situation. The country has now taken up strict measures to combat poaching and illegal trade and has stressed the importance of involving local communities in anti-poaching activities.

A TRAFFIC report released at the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES last year had warned of increases in the volume of rhino horn entering illegal trade from Africa since 2000, with poaching most severe in Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). More than 60% of the rhino population in DRC was illegally killed between 2003 and 2005. In Zimbabwe, poaching accounted for two-thirds of all rhino mortalities over the same period, affecting one in eight animals.

Earlier this year, TRAFFIC facilitated a hands-on workshop between law enforcement personnel from South Africa and Zimbabwe to discuss specific outstanding law enforcement cases involving illegal cross-border trade in rhino horn with the objective of moving key investigations forward towards legal actions against alleged suspects. TRAFFIC has also worked with enforcement officials of India, Nepal and Bhutan to strengthen trans-border co-operation on wildlife crime issues.

“Better cross-border co-operation and information sharing between enforcement agencies is key to tackling the highly organized poaching operations operating in Africa and Asia,” said Simon Milledge, TRAFFIC’s Rhino Co-ordinator.

Most rhino poaching is to supply horns for use in traditional Asian medicines, although there is growing evidence the demand for horns (for use as traditional dagger handles) is re-emerging in the Middle East. A new trend in South Africa is for illicitly acquired horns from the private sector to be claimed as legitimate sport hunting trophies and exported. Vietnamese citizens have been implicated, and Viet Nam is emerging as a key player in the illegal horn trade.

The formation of the Rhinoceros Task Force was endorsed by the CITES Standing Committee in July, and the first meeting will take place in Kenya in November 2008. Like other CITES Enforcement Task Forces, it will be co-ordinated by the CITES Secretariat.

21-Aug-08 0:00 AM

Poacher Give In, Turns Approver

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:15:00 GMT

Guwahati, Aug. 19: An on-the-run dreaded poacher, Rajen Killing, surrendered in the wee hours today with the promise of helping Kaziranga National Park in its anti-poaching drive.

This is the first time in a decade that a leading poacher has surrendered and turned approver before the authorities, forest officials said.

“Killing has already identified several routes which are being frequently used by poachers. We are hopeful he would be a great help for rhino conservation at Kaziranga,” the range officer of Burapahar range of Kaziranga, Ikramul Majid, said.

Majid said Killing had been absconding for nine months and admitted to have been involved in the killing of three rhinos in the park. “He sent us feelers last night about his willingness to surrender and he finally came to me this morning,” he said.

Killing is from Phuloguri area near the park. One of Majid’s accomplices, Budhbar Teron, died in an encounter with forest guards in July last year inside the park.

A .303 rifle was found on Teron.

Killing, who was present during that particular encounter in July, had escaped. It was way back in 1999 that two dreaded poachers — Matka Gogoi and Hemo Nath —surrendered before the authorities of Kaziranga.

Another Kaziranga official said Killing, a Karbi youth, would be kept at the park headquarters in Kohora for a few days so that he can help formulate new anti-poaching policies.

“We have already deployed forest guards in all the possible routes which Killing said are being frequently used by poachers,” he said. Most of these routes are jungle tracks through the hills of Karbi Anglong on the northern fringe of Kaziranga just across National Highway 37.

While 10 rhinos have been killed this year, 20 fell to poachers’ bullets in 2007.

2 convicted

Two poachers were today convicted for trying to kill rhinos at Kaziranga National Park in 2006.

Abdul Sattar and Baharul Islam were sentenced to three years’ rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs 10,000 each by a Nagaon court.

This is the second time that rhino poachers were convicted in the state.

In 1997, three poachers were convicted in connection with an encounter between poachers and forest guards at the Kaziranga National Park.

20-Aug-08 8:15 AM

Knowsley Safari Park's Roadhog Rhino

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Not many three-week-old babies would get to play in the road and get away with it. But when the child in question is Knowsley Safari Park’s white rhino calf, Flannery, it is the drivers who are having to pay attention.

Flannery, the newest arrival at the wildlife attraction, has been showing a remarkable interest in visitors’ cars as they pass through the attraction.

In fact, he has been getting so close to the vehicles, placing him-self between them, traffic has fre-quently slowed to a snail’s pace and queues have built up as a result.

According to Safari Park general manager David Ross, mum Meru will put up with him playing on the road for a while before inter-vening and insisting – in rhino speak and actions – that he follows their own personal Green Cross Code and move back on the grass with her.

However, as soon as Meru’s back is turned, Flannery is back on the road having fun with his rhino-sized Scalextric set.

Mr Ross said: “The way Flannery seems to enjoy playing with the cars really is remarkable, and it’s prov-ing incredibly popular with visitors who are getting fantastic close-up views of the youngster – and some disapproving looks from his mum.

“This sort of behaviour is quite unusual in our experience, and could reflect the fact that there are no other young rhinos for him to play with at the moment.

“However, all that could change in the very near future as we believe one of our other cows – Winnie – could give birth at any time. Of course, that could mean we event-ually end up with two mischievous youngsters playing on the road,” added the Safari Park boss.

Flannery was born on July 28 and his arrival increased the park’s crash of rhinos to eight, including three bulls – one of whom is dad Bud – and four cows.

He was named after St Helens rugby league team star Chris Flannery, who is sponsored by the Safari Park as part of their wider support for the club.

20-Aug-08 8:00 AM

CBS joins with International Rhino Foundation

noemail@rhinos-irf.org — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Cardboard Safari has joined with the International Rhino Foundation, an organization that is dedicated to the survival of the world’s rhino species through conservation and research, to spread awareness about the plight of the rhino. Rhinos have existed on Earth for more than 50 million years. In the past, rhinos were much more diverse and widespread (occurring in North America and Europe as well as in Africa and Asia). Today, only five species of rhinos survive. All rhinos are under threat of extinction, and all but one species is on the verge of extinction. Without drastic action, some rhinos could be extinct in the wild within the next 10-20 years. Cardboard Safari offers premium-quality animal figures made of recycled cardboard. Rhino, Deer, Moose and Bison heads are currently available in both brown and white cardboard. Each animal puzzle is laser-cut for precision fit, easily assembles using slotted construction and is made to mount on the wall. When owner Chris Jesse...

Worlds rarest rhinos make first video trap appearance - then toss camera

noemail@rhinos-irf.org — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 21:00:00 GMT

JAKARTA--After just a month in operation, specially designed video cameras installed to capture rhino footage in the jungles of Indonesia have twice recorded remarkable images of the worlds rarest rhino accompanied by a calf. But the success was not without incident as after a short inspection, one rhino mother charged the camera and sent it flying on one of the occasions in Ujung Kulon National Park in Java, Indonesia. Javan rhinos occur only in that park and one in Vietnam. With fewer than 60 Javan rhinos left in the wild, we believe this footage was well worth the risk to our equipment, said Adhi Rachmat Hariyadi, who leads WWF-Indonesias project in Ujung Kulon National Park. It’s very unusual to catch a glimpse of the Javan rhinos deep inside the rain forest. The motion triggered infrared video traps are a useful way to observe them and the ways they use their habitat in a more detailed way. We are proposing a test translocation of a few Javan rhinos in the near future...

First-ever rhino translocation in northeast India a success

noemail@rhinos-irf.org — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Washington: In one of the biggest conservation successes in India, two male adult Indian rhinos (Rhinoceros unicornis) were successfully translocated to Manas National Park on Saturday. This is the first time that the translocation of wild rhinos has been conducted in the state of Assam, where nearly all of India’s rhinos are found. The two rhinos were moved from Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, which has the highest density of rhinos in the world - more than 80 rhinos in less than 7 square miles of rhino habitat. For the next several years, the healthy rhino populations in Pobitora and Kaziranga National Park will supply individuals to start new populations in other protected areas in Assam under Indian Rhino Vision 2020. Translocations form the backbone of Indian Rhino Vision 2020 – a joint project of the Government of Assam, WWF-India, the International Rhino Foundation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – that aims to attain a population of 3000 wild rhinos spread across...

International Rhino Foundation Offers Rhino Adoptions for Valentine's Day

noemail@rhinos-irf.org — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 16:00:00 GMT

NEWS International Rhino Foundation Offers Rhino Adoptions for Valentine’s Day Spread the love this Valentine’s Day by giving your sweetheart one of the rarest animals on earth! YULEE, FL – Flowers wilt, and that box of chocolates just could go straight to your hips! So the International Rhino Foundation is offering gift givers the opportunity to do something different for their nearest and dearest this Valentine’s Day – adopting a Critically Endangered Sumatran rhino. The Sumatran rhino, also called the hairy rhino because of its hairy body and tufted ears, is the most endangered of all rhinoceros species because of its rapid rate of decline. Because of poaching, numbers have decreased more than 50% over the last 15 years. Fewer than 275 Sumatran rhinos survive in very small and highly fragmented populations in Southeast Asia, making it one of the rarest large mammals in the world. The International Rhino Foundation helps to support the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary, a...

INTERNATIONAL RHINO FOUNDATION LAUNCHES A NEW

noemail@rhinos-irf.org — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 01:00:00 GMT

NEWS International Rhino Foundation launches a new and improved web site Visit the newly redesigned website for the IRF and your ultimate source for information on rhinos and rhino conservation. YULEE, FL – The International Rhino Foundation has a new website – one that you’ll want to visit again and again! Launching on Thursday, November 29, 2007 – visitors will find an updated look for their source of all things rhino on the net. Featuring video and photo galleries and a web 2.0 guide, site visitors will find a myriad of ways to stay connected to IRF’s rhino conservation efforts. The homepage features the newly redesigned IRF logo and new organization branding. One other feature of note is the scrolling rhino news articles module – giving readers the latest headlines on rhinos from around the world. Readers can learn everything they ever wanted to know about rhinos, including their status in the wild, and how IRF programs programs in Asia and Africa help the rhino...

BUY ENDANGERED FECES TO SAVE AN ENDANGERED SPECIES

noemail@rhinos-irf.org — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

NEWS Buy Endangered Feces to Save an Endangered Species International Rhino Foundation auctions rhino dung for holidays to raise money for conservation efforts YULEE, FL – We swear we’re not making this up. For the first time in history you may find rhino poop under your Christmas tree. This year the International Rhino Foundation (IRF) is auctioning off endangered feces – poop from endangered rhino species. It’s all part of an effort to save one of Earth’s most recognizable, but most threatened wild animals. That’s right, actual rhino poop will be an auction item on the popular Web site eBay. The rhino poop auction will begin Thursday, November 29, 2007 and can be accessed by searching for rhino poop at www.eBay.com or by visiting www.endangeredfeces.org. Everyone knows about rhinos, but not everyone knows that they are disappearing from the Earth, says International Rhino Foundation Executive Director Dr. Susie Ellis. It might sound silly, but the money raised by...

Rhino Resource Center

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:23:49 GMT

The Rhino Resource Center is the world’s best source of information about rhino conservation, research, veterinary medicine, and husbandry worldwide. The Rhino Resource Center collects all known publications and maintains archives on all published work on rhinoceros. Search the Rhino Resource Center for everything you ever wanted to know about rhinos - information, photos, and links to other rhino websites!

Rhino Resource Center Newsletters:

IRF News Room

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:23:02 GMT

IRFs newsroom provides professional media representatives from around the world with comprehensive information about IRF and rhino conservation. If you are not a member of the media, please click here to contact us for general inquiries, or feel free to search our press releases. PRESS RELEASES IRFs press releases provide quick access to key information on IRF activities about projects around the world. RSS FEEDS AND WEB 2.0 Tell us what you want -- sign up to receive our RSS Feeds for Press Releases, our e-newsletter, blog posts and social media connections. IRF MEDIA CONTACTS AND EXPERTS IRF experts are available for comment on a wide array of rhino conservation topics both as a general resource and for media interviews. Please contact Susie Ellis for more information. MEDIA KIT & STORY IDEAS A comprehensive media kit can be download here. It includes fact sheets, history of our organization and media contacts. IRF IMAGE GALLERY ...

2008 Wildlife Conservation Expo

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:21:57 GMT

For wildlife lovers in the San Francisco Bay area....

Wildlife Conservation Network's 2008 Wildlife Conservation Expo

The International Rhino Foundation will be participating in the Wildlife Conservation Network's 2008 Wildlife Conservation Expo on October 4, 2008, at the Mission Bay Conference Center in San Francisco. At the expo, you can meet conservation heroes from around the world and hear about the challenges and successes of working on the frontlines of conservation. IRF and numerous other local and international conservation organizations will host exhibits where you can learn more about wildlife conservation in the field, and purchase wildlife art and crafts from around the world. (Several IRF supporters will be selling beautiful Shona sculptures and handicrafts from Zimbabwe to raise funds for our Lowveld Rhino Conservation program there.)

Visit http://www.wildnet.org/expo2008_expo.htm to learn more.

Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary, Indonesia

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:19:41 GMT

The Sumatran rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) is the most threatened of the five living rhino species. Only about 250 individuals survive in small, highly fragmented populations in Indonesia and Malaysia, and the population is suffering rapid declines due to poaching and habitat loss. Because of the challenges and uncertainties of conserving this Critically Endangered species in range countries with rapidly changing and often volatile political climates, in 1984 the World Conservation Union’s Asian Rhino Specialist Group recommended developing a captive breeding program as part of a larger population management strategy for the Sumatran rhino. Torgamba and Bina, two of the rhinos at the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary in Way Kambas, breeding. Rhino experts agreed that successful reproduction would require sufficiently natural conditions and large enclosures. In the early 1990s, managed breeding centers (known as sanctuaries) were developed in native...

India and Nepal

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:18:29 GMT

Greater one-horned, or Indian, rhinos were once found from Eastern Pakistan, through India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, and into Myanmar. However, by the start of the 20th century, the population had decreased to about 200 individuals as the result of poaching, habitat destruction, and human encroachment. With strict protection by Indian and Nepalese wildlife authorities, the population of greater one-horned rhinos has rebounded in the two countries, and there are now more than 2,500 rhinos in 13 groups distributed between northern India and Nepal. Unfortunately, however, this population is not distributed evenly. More that 85% of the Indian rhino population inhabits one protected area, Kaziranga National Park in Assam, India, exposing the population to the risk that a single catastrophe such as a flood or disease outbreak could lead to serious population decline again. Additionally, a smaller population of rhinos (approximately 100) living in Pabitora National Park have exceeded...

Ujung Kulon National Park, Indonesia

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:17:48 GMT

The Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) is one of the rarest species of mammals and one of the most endangered rhinoceros species, with fewer than 60 animals believed to exist in two known populations. Between 40 and 60 individuals inhabit Ujung Kulon National Park in West Java, Indonesia, and between three and five individuals are part of a likely non-viable population in the Cat Loc section of Cat Tien National Park in Vietnam. Because Javan Rhinos inhabit dense tropical forests, they are not easy targets for poachers with guns. But they are vulnerable to poachers who use snares and traps to capture and kill the rhino so its horn can then be removed. The area now known as Ujung Kulon National Park is the only remaining lowland forest site in Java. It received modest protection status in 1910 when it was declared a hunting reserve. In 1921, its status was upgraded into a nature reserve, and in 1980, it was declared as one of the first five national parks in Indonesia. In 1992,...

Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Indonesia

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:17:15 GMT

Bukit Barisan Selatan (BBS) National Park is the third largest protected area (3,568 km2) in Sumatra. The park is the main watershed for southwestern Sumatra, providing water and ecological services to local communities. Its elongated shape makes it difficult to protect, because the ratio of boundary-to-interior is so high. The eastern boundary tends to follow the watershed, while the western boundary is located close to the foot of the mountains, and, in some areas, follows the coastline. A series of protected forest areas were created to form a buffer zone on the eastern side of the Park, but all of these have swallowed up by human encroachment. Bukit Barisan Selatan is one of the highest priority areas for Sumatran megafauna, and in particular, for the Sumatran rhino, the Sumatran tiger, and the Sumatran elephant. It is home to the second largest population of Sumatran rhinos (Dicerorhinos sumatrensis sumatrensis), estimated between 60 and 85 animals. Sumatran rhinos have declined...

IRF Programs in Asia

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:16:50 GMT

IRF has from its inception concentrated its Asian Programs on the Sumatran Rhino, probably the most endangered of all rhino species. More recently, IRF has extended its programs to the Javan Rhino. IRF has also selectively assists conservation efforts for Indian Rhino and is working with other organizations on a major program that could provide long-term financial support to protect this species in the wild. IRF programs reflect the dual and diversified strategy of protection in the wild and propagation in captivity or semi-captivity. About 250 Sumatran rhinos remain on Indonesia’s Sumatra island, where the population has declined at a rate of 50% over the past 10 years, largely from deforestation and habitat fragmentation. IRF focuses its work in heavily encroached areas near Way Kambas and Bukit Barisan Selatan National Parks. Only four poaching events have been recorded in the past 3 years because of the remarkable work and dedication of the Rhino Protection Units providing...

Way Kambas National Park, Indonesia

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:16:22 GMT

Facing intense pressure from a variety of threats, the Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinos sumatrensis sumatrensis) is probably the most endangered species of rhinoceros. It is estimated that no more than 275 individuals survive, almost entirely in two range states, Indonesia and Malaysia. From 1989 to 1998, the population declined by at least 60%, and while Javan rhinos number even fewer, the combination of the extent and rate of population reduction makes the Sumatran rhino the most critically endangered of the five rhino species. The cause of the decline is almost entirely poaching for the horn through the use of traps and snares placed in the forest. In Indonesia, Sumatran rhinos survive in only three known locations (Gunung Leuser, Bukit Barisan Selatan, and Way Kambas National Park) and have been extirpated from one national park (Kerinci Seblat) within the past decade. Way Kambas is a large national park covering 130,000 hectares in southern Sumatra. The park consists of swamp...

Lowveldt Zimbabwe - Moving rhinos away from poaching pressures

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:15:47 GMT

Carla in pen soon after incident Lisa-Marie bush immobilization Carla and Lisa-Marie in Mazunga boma Black rhinos that are managed within the IRF-supported Lowveld Rhino Project in Zimbabwe are still showing a net gain in numbers. The Lowveld population is now about 400, after an 8% growth rate over the past year, and there are also 140 white rhinos. However, poaching has been flaring up as the economic and political situation in Zimbabwe has deteriorated. Since 2000, the Lowveld project has undertaken 111 rhino translocations to remove rhinos from areas that are particularly prone to poaching. The Chiredzi River Conservancy has been particularly hard-hit by poaching. In late 2007, nine black rhinos had to be moved from this area to the safer Bubye River Conservancy, which is also in the Lowveld region, about 100 miles to the west. ...

Lorem ipsum survey

noemail@rhinos-irf.org — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 14:51:57 GMT

Objectives:

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diem nonummynibh euismod tincidunt ut lacreet dolore magna aliguam erat volutpat. Ut wisis enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tution ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis te feugifacilisi.

Duis autem dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero eros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesent luptatum zzril delenit au gue duis dolore te feugat nulla facilisi.

Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci taion ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex en commodo consequat. Duis te feugifacilisi per suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex en commodo consequat.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diem nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut lacreet dolore magna aliguam erat volutpat.

Ut wisis enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci

Release Date: 31-Aug-07 9:51 AM
Expiration Date: 30-Nov-07 9:51 AM

Ut wisis enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci

Boat Patrol

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 03:10:16 GMT

File uploaded by Kelly Russo.

BFR top fundraisers 2008

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 03:10:16 GMT

File uploaded by Kelly Russo.

Susie Ellis and Supriyong with rhino grazed branch

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 03:10:16 GMT

Inov with rhino horn scrape

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 03:10:16 GMT

Zen films Arief RPU at Rhino Camp

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 03:10:16 GMT

Rana planting tree with RPU

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 03:10:16 GMT

Inov points out last year's bowling trip photograph

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 03:10:16 GMT

Group photo with RPUs Rhino Camp

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 03:10:16 GMT

RPU members Waladi & Otong

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 03:10:16 GMT

RPUs measure rhino footprint

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 03:10:16 GMT

Lorem ipsum

2007-08-31T14:51:57Z

Instructor: Instructor

Lorem ipsum