Sumatran rhinos spotted on camera

Camera trap photo of Sumatran rhino in the Leuser ecosystem. Photo by: Leuser International Foundation (LIF).

Remote camera traps have caught images of the Critically Endangered Sumatran rhino in the Leuser ecosystem in Sumatra

  • The Leuser ecosystem is the only place in the world where Critically Endangered Sumatran tigers, elephants, rhinos and orangutans live in the same ecosystem.
  • A survey has revealed that there are 7 – 25 Sumatran rhinos still alive in Leuser.
  • Camera traps have photographed 1 male and 6 females.
  • The last survey, in 1985 – estimated a Sumatran rhino population of around 60 – 70 animals in the area.
  • Sumatran rhinos are under threat due to poaching (illegal hunting) and habitat loss and the camera traps even caught evidence of this happening in Leuser.
  • Scientists believe that rhino numbers are too small to maintain healthy breeding populations and are now attempting to breed Sumatran rhinos in semi-wild enclosures, where they may be carefully monitored. One such sanctuary has already had a rhino baby in June this year!
  • It is believed that there are less than 200 wild Sumatran rhinos left worldwide.

Want to learn more? Read the full story: Camera traps confirm that Sumatran rhinos still roam Leuser rainforest

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Consumed

Consumed traces the life cycle of a variety of common consumer products from their origins, across supply chains, and waste streams. The circular economy is an attempt to lessen the pace and impact of consumption through efforts to reduce demand for raw materials by recycling wastes, improve the reusability/durability of products to limit pollution, and […]

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