Rhino Protection Units. The Front Line for Ensuring the Survival of Indonesis'a Critically Endangered

Arief Rubianto, M. Waladi Isnan, and Sectionov

Yayasan Badak Indonesia (Indonesian Rhino Foundation)

Jabar , Indonesia

s.ellis@rhinos-irf.org

The Critically Endangered Sumatran and Javan rhinoceros may be the most threatened of all land mammals on Earth. Fewer than 225 Sumatran rhinos remain on the planet; Javan rhinos number only around 50 animals. Over the past 5-10 years, losses of Sumatran and Javan rhino have been nearly eliminated in Indonesia through intensive anti-poaching and intelligence activities by Rhino Protection Units (RPUs). In addition to anti-poaching activities, RPUs are involved in population monitoring as well as working with local communities to enhance their livelihoods. RPUs also gather intelligence to identify and infiltrate illegal trading cells that are offering rhino horn, tiger skin, and elephant tusk for sale. This paper provides an update on the current situation facing Indonesian rhinos, and outlines the protection efforts underway in an effort to stabilize and to lead to the populations’ recovery.