Footprints Belonging to Endangered Sumatran Rhino Found in Indonesia

WWF Indonesia monitoring team discovered several footprints that are believed to be from the critically endangered Sumatran rhino, according to a news release.

They came across these fresh footprints while monitoring orangutans in Kutai Barat, East Kalimantan, which is known as the Heart of Borneo.

In order to confirm their findings, in February 2013 the WWF team, together with the kubar forest service, University of Mulawarman and other local communities, conducted a follow-up survey.

During the survey, the team came across some footprints that belonged to rhinos, former puddles, scratches made by horn, trees that they used as rubbing posts, and half-bitten plants. They could not, however, determine the number of animals.

Wildlife researcher Dr. Chandradewana from the University of Mulawarman along with rhino experts from WWF Indonesia confirmed that the species was most likely a Sumatran rhino.

"This discovery is very important for the world, especially for the conservation of Indonesia, because it is a new record Sumatran rhino presence in East Kalimantan, especially in the area Kubar," Bambang Novianto, Conservation Director of Biodivesity (CBD), the ministry of Forestry, said in a press statement.

This species has been considered extinct on Indonesia's land of Borneo since the '90s. Less than 200 animals still live in the wild in Indonesia and Malaysia. Their population faces a huge threat from habitat loss and poaching.

The present study is crucial as it helps to protect the existing population and also helps develop strategies to protect the habitat where rhinos live. 

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