Seeking for An Accurate Data of Sumatran Rhino Population

The population and habitat of the Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) has been in decline for 50 years. The Indonesian Ministry of Forestry (2015) estimates only 100 Sumatran rhinoceros individuals remaining in their natural habitat. However, there is no confirmed, accurate data on the population or other supporting data that describes actual conditions in the wild. In order to make effective and efficient recommendations for conservation actions, accurate and valid data is urgently required. This data would include factors such as population, distribution and sex ratio.

Way Kambas National Park, Sumatra, is the last known chance to protect the Sumatran rhino population. Located in the Lampung province, WKNP provides Sumatran rhinoceros into the future. This habitat is critical, as it is the only location where rhino has been found in a lowland region. The number of Sumatran rhinoceros in WKNP was estimated 27-30 (PVA Sumatran Rhino, 2015), but needs to be scientifically verified and updated. An occupancy survey should be undertaken to document the distribution of Sumatran rhinoceros in WKNP. Information from the occupancy survey results may be used as a reference for further monitoring. Ongoing monitoring would employ methods of camera traps, drone surveillance and DNA analysis.

ALeRT, in collaboration with WKNP and TFCA-Sumatra, started the Sumatran rhino occupancy survey in WKNP in September 2018. ALeRT conducted this survey by forming 3 teams of Rhino Monitoring Units (RMU), each consisting of 5 ALeRT staff. The staff were trained specifically to identify the secondary signs of the Sumatran rhinoceros in WKNP. Standardized training and capacity building are implemented to ensure consistent monitoring of methods and skills. This is crucial as it results in more accurate data.

The Sumatran Rhino Occupancy Survey was conducted over an area of ​​195 grids, each measuring 2 x 2km, with a canopy coverage of 30% or more. As of January 2018, the RMU's have successfully surveyed 181 grids. During survey activities, the RMU team identified the signs of rhino activities, such as footprints and foot rubs in / on soil, dung, feed, twisting of plants, urine, body rubs on trees, and wallows in several grid areas in SPTN I, II, and III. These are the ruins of Sumatran rhino. The data gathered so far directs future camera trap monitoring, by providing specific locations of the secondary signs. With camera trap footage, these secondary signs can transition into primary signs, documenting the active pathways of the Sumatran rhino within WKNP. In addition to the rhinoceros, the RMU teams have also collected secondary signs from other key species, such as Sumatran tigers, Sumatran elephants, sun bears, and Malayan tapir. Alongside documenting data of rhino and other wildlife, the RMU teams also encountered signs of illegal activity within WKNP.

Human activity in the area of ​​WKNP is still a major threat to the conservation of Sumatran rhinoceros and other wildlife. Most of the illegal activities were found in the rhino's active pathways. These illegal activities range from low threat to high threat, encompassing crimes of poaching (snare traps), illegal logging, illegal boating and fishing, illegal camping and illegal burning of the forest. These activities are threats not only to the Sumatran rhino, but to the broader ecosystem of WKNP.

The RMU survey results have important data and reference points for WKNP management. The RMU patrol has proven beneficial not only to the monitoring of rhino population, but also as a method of documentation and protection against illegal activities. Co-operation between local and international communities, NGO's and other stakeholders is a crucial step in the preservation of the forest.