Justice for Javan Rhinos

1 year ago

In Pursuit of Justice: Triumph Against Wildlife Trafficking

The Leuser Ecosystem is the last place on Earth where orangutans, elephants, tigers and rhinos coexist in the wild. This landscape spans over 6 million acres and houses the largest intact forest remaining on the island of Sumatra. IRF provides funding to local organization Forum Konservasi Leuser (FKL) to help operate two rhino-focused Wildlife Protection Teams (WPTs), four-person units that continuously patrol rhino habitat in Western Leuser. The WPTs patrol the area looking for signs of endangered wildlife including the last remaining wild population of Sumatran rhinos.

In 2024, the teams recorded signs of Sumatran rhinos primarily identified through feces, friction marks, active wallowing holes, or nests. They also recorded signs of Sumatran elephants, tigers and orangutans. These patrols are designed to not only monitor the wildlife but also intercept illegal activity such as poaching. The teams dismantled 14 snares and destroyed 5 poacher camps, although they did not encounter any poachers during their patrols.

Unfortunately, rhinos are not the only species affected by devastating numbers of poaching incidents. Sumatran orangutans are also a critically endangered species. Recently however, FKL had a major win against Orangutan poaching:

“Tezar Pahlevie, the coordinator for the Investigation and Law Enforcement division in FKL, emerged as a hero in September 2023 when he played a central role in thwarting the international illegal trade of Sumatran orangutans in Medan, North Sumatra. Despite facing significant risks, Tezar fearlessly employed innovative investigation techniques to infiltrate the illegal wildlife trade network. His daring actions led to the successful interception of smuggled orangutans, ultimately dismantling the illicit operation.

The intervention resulted in key information to reveal illegal wildlife trade network (local and international) in Leuser Ecosystem, Aceh province. Tezar’s unwavering determination and willingness to confront danger head-on highlight his remarkable dedication to wildlife conservation. His heroic act not only saved the lives of these endangered wildlife but also sent a powerful message against wildlife trafficking. Tezar’s bravery and commitment serve as a shining example of the courageous efforts made by individuals in safeguarding our natural world,” recounted FKL.

Images courtesy of Forum Konservasi Leuser

The success of Tezar and FKL’s dismantling of the orangutan smuggling operation is a significant step forward in the fight against rhino horn crime. The overlap in networks involved in various forms of illegal wildlife trade means that disrupting one operation can have a ripple effect across others. By weakening the criminal infrastructure that supports activities like orangutan smuggling, we simultaneously undermine the networks that fuel rhino poaching. This holistic approach not only protects rhinos but also contributes to the broader effort to preserve biodiversity and bring an end to the exploitation of our planet’s most vulnerable species.

1 year ago

Importance of annual floods in floodplain ecosystems like Kaziranga National Park in India

The state of Assam in northeastern India is blessed with two major rivers, Brahmaputra – the fourth largest river in the world flowing from east to west of Assam – and the Barak River in the south of Assam. The floodplain ecosystems along the Brahmaputra river are a prime habitat for the greater one-horned rhino. During the monsoon season, generally June to September each year, Assam experiences annual floods that can be challenging to both humans and wild animals. Rhino bearing areas along the Brahmaputra river, such as Kaziranga National Park (NP), Orang National Park (NP), Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS), Laokhowa WLS and Burhachapori WLS are no stranger to flooding, with flooding occurring nearly every year. Sometimes the flooding is low to moderate, and some years it is much more intense.

Annual floods are often portrayed as detrimental for Kaziranga NP and other rhino bearing areas in Assam, but the reality is that annual floods are essential for floodplain ecosystems. Flooding is the only natural regeneration process in floodplain ecosystems, and the mortality of wild animals, whether it’s hog deers, river otters or even rhinos, is a natural consequence of an age-old, vital ecological process. In fact, it is natural selection in action, creating survival of the fittest. Without the annual flooding that energizes the ecosystems in Kaziranga NP and other rhino bearing areas along the Brahmaputra river, these floodplain ecosystems wouldn’t be able to sustain wildlife, including rhinos. These floods should be seen as an ecological service, not a calamity as some headlines suggest.

Flooding recharges groundwater systems, removes invasive plant species like water hyacinth from wetlands, and fills wetlands and redistributes sediment and nutrients across the landscape. For many species, floods trigger breeding events, migration and dispersal. These natural systems are resilient to the effects of floods. Besides the environmental benefits, flooding also boosts the economy by increasing agricultural and fish production and recharging groundwater resources, among other advantages.

Kaziranga NP has been facing floods since the 1950s. However, never in the history of Kaziranga NP has the rhino population been found to have been affected due to the flooding. In 1966, Kaziranga NP had 366 rhinos when the first rhino population estimates were carried out. Since then, flooding has been a natural annual occurrence in Kaziranga NP, with the rhino population increasing from 366 to 2,613 today. In 1971, Pobitora WLS had 5-8 rhinos, and despite annual flooding the rhino population has grown to 107.The real danger to rhino populations and other wildlife in the area is us humans. With humans making floodplains their homes and inhabiting the high grounds of the area where animals would naturally go during the floods, there are more instances of animal-human conflict that result in a higher number of wildlife deaths.

Some media sources portray floods as detrimental to rhinos when the opposite is true. Shri M.K. Yadava, currently Special Chief Secretary to the Government of Assam, has rightly stated: “Kaziranga will become catastrophic without floods. Floods are the lifeline of Kaziranga. It is nature’s washing machine which through clock & counter clock water movements in its channels rejuvenates the Park. At Kaziranga, animals are natural survivors & best in class.”

Floods are not the “bad guy,” they are part of a natural ecological process. Animals including rhinos have successfully navigated the floods for decades with very few deaths attributed to them. Far more wild animals die every day due to human encroachment, poaching and animal-human conflict. It is normal for the weaker animals to die and for the stronger progeny to survive and carry forward the flag of rhinos. Though it is not pleasant to see rhinos or other animals dying or drowning, it is part of the natural world. What rhinos and other wildlife need is to be able to move and follow their instincts amid this natural ecological process without human hindrance or conflict. In case of annual floods in Kaziranga NP, the casualty can be minimized if we can facilitate free movement of wildlife during high flood, and as such, conservation of Kaziranga NP as a single landscape is crucial.

1 year ago

How Rhino Conservation Benefits Local Communities

Rhinos, magnificent and massive, play a more significant role in their habitat than many might imagine. Beyond their iconic status in the animal kingdom, rhinos are pivotal to environmental health and can play a key part in the socio-economic stability of the communities living near their habitats. Rhino Conservation has multiple positive impacts for local human populations, further emphasizing why protecting and conserving rhinos and their habitats goes beyond mere wildlife preservation.

Environmental Benefits

Biodiversity Maintenance: Rhinos are umbrella species, meaning their conservation helps protect many other species within the same ecosystem. Their presence helps maintain the balance of the ecosystems where they live, which is crucial for the overall health of local habitats.

Seed Dispersion: Rhinos contribute to the ecological dynamics of their habitats through their feeding habits. By consuming large quantities of vegetation and dispersing seeds in their dung, they play a critical role in shaping and maintaining local flora. This seed dispersion supports forest regeneration and health, which is vital for local flora and fauna.

Economic Benefits

Employment: Rhino conservation areas are often significant tourist attractions, drawing visitors from around the world. This influx of tourists boosts local economies by creating jobs and generating income for communities. Jobs range from guiding and hospitality to key conservation roles such as rhino monitoring and removal of invasive plant species for crafts and other alternative livelihoods that benefit both the local community and rhinos as well as other wildlife.

Sustainable Practices: By promoting rhino conservation, we also encourage sustainable land use practices that benefit agricultural productivity. The preservation of natural ecosystems can enhance soil health and stability, reducing erosion and improving water quality, which directly benefits agricultural activities and food security for local communities.

Social Benefits

Education and Awareness: Conservation efforts include educational programs for local communities, which increase awareness about environmental issues and the importance of biodiversity. These programs empower locals, especially youth, by providing knowledge and skills related to conservation and ecological management.

Community Cohesion: Often, conservation efforts require coordinated actions and cooperation among community members, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. This can strengthen community ties and promote a harmonious relationship with nature and its wildlife.

Cultural Benefits

Preserving Heritage: For many indigenous and local communities, rhinos are significant culturally. Conservation helps preserve these cultural ties by maintaining the populations of these animals, which are often featured in local folklore, rituals and traditions.

Community Identity and Pride: Protecting rhinos helps build a sense of pride and identity within communities. Locals become stewards of wildlife conservation, enhancing their sense of responsibility and pride in their natural heritage.

Conclusion

The preservation of rhinos brings a wealth of benefits to local communities that share their habitat. One of IRF’s key focal areas is engaging people. Our work reinforces the idea that protecting and conserving rhinos is about preserving a whole ecosystem, which includes the human communities that depend on it.

Through ongoing education, sustainable practices, and community engagement, we are making a tangible difference, ensuring that the benefits of rhino conservation reach all corners of the communities involved. Join us in our mission to protect these magnificent animals and the countless lives they touch.

1 year ago

What if we did nothing?: Measuring the impact conservation has had on the black rhino population

In the early 1900s, Africa was home to an estimated 100,000 black rhinos. Sadly their numbers plummeted to less than 2,400 by the mid-1990s due to poaching and habitat loss. Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, their population has slowly rebounded to approximately 6,487 today. Despite this recovery, black rhinos remain critically endangered, with some sub-species like the western black rhino having gone extinct.

In a recent study, the African Rhino Specialist Group (AfRSG) took a look at The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Green Status for the black rhino, which measures how close a species is to being fully ecologically functional across its range and how much it has recovered thanks to conservation actions.

Understanding the Conservation Metrics

The Green Status Assessment used the following four key metrics to evaluate conservation success:

Conservation Legacy: What the outcome would have been if no conservation interventions were taken.
Conservation Dependence: Predictions of future populations in ten years if current conservation efforts stop.
Conservation Gain: The expected increase in population due to ongoing conservation actions.
Recovery Potential: Long term forecasting looking 100 years into the future considering current and future environmental conditions.

According to the research conducted by the AfRSG, if there were no conservation actions taken in the 1990s, the number of black rhinos today would be devastatingly low—only about 296 individuals. Thanks to comprehensive conservation efforts, including by IRF’s lead partner in Zimbabwe, the Lowveld Rhino Trust, and others, there are now approximately 6,487 black rhinos in the wild. However, according to AfRSG calculations, if these conservation efforts were to cease, black rhino numbers would drop almost 50% in 10 years to an estimated 3,354 individuals in 2032.

But with ongoing conservation efforts, the black rhino population in Africa is projected to reach 8,946 by 2032,with the biggest population gain for the eastern black rhino subspecies.

Looking further ahead, the research found that by 2122, Africa could sustainably support around 21,770 black rhinos. This projection considers the impact of habitat changes due to human activities, poaching, range restrictions and climate change. This number highlights that while it would be unsustainable to get back to population numbers similar to those in the 1900s, there is still a lot of hope, and work to be done, for their recovery.

Although black rhinos face many challenges, the recovery potential for the species is “relatively high.” With continued international collaboration and innovative conservation strategies, we can ensure a positive future for these animals. Together, we can make a difference for both rhinos and people in Africa and around the world.

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