Sumatran rhino confirmed in Mount Leuser National Park after 26 years

[Surroundx]

"Seven Sumatran rhinos have been captured on hidden cameras in an Indonesian national park where the critically endangered species was feared extinct, a conservationist said Thursday.

The Sumatran rhino had not been sighted in the Mount Leuser National Park on the northern tip of Sumatra for 26 years, the project's team leader Tarmizi of the Leuser International Foundation said."

7 rare rhinos spotted in Indonesian jungle | MNN - Mother Nature Network

 

[DavidBrown]

This sounds like very good news.

 

[nanoboy]

This sounds like very good news.

Does this mean that now the poachers know for certain where there are 7 rhinos?

 

[DavidBrown]

Does this mean that now the poachers know for certain where there are 7 rhinos?

Hopefully it means that the wildlife authorities will now throw major effort into patrolling and protecting the park.

 

[nanoboy]

Hopefully it means that the wildlife authorities will now through major effort into patrolling and protecting the park.

Fingers crossed.

I read an article recently (maybe it was an old article, and maybe it was linked from this website) where a reptile guy was saying that as soon as he described a new reptile species, wildlife traders were using his scientific papers as guided maps to catch the new reptiles for the pet trade.

 

[Pertinax]

Does this mean that now the poachers know for certain where there are 7 rhinos?

It is good news but broadcasting it to the World would certainly seem to makes their situation more precarious. Rigourous wardening and guarding of the area doesn't fill me with confidence either, the Poachers will always find a way in somehow.

 

[Dicerorhinus]

I thought i'd share what I can about this.
I'm sorry, but this isn't being considered good news. The current population estimate of 150-200 animals includes 60-80 at Gunung Leuser.
1 male and 6 females were photographed, the highest population estimate for the park is now 27 animals.
Nanoboy, the census was conducted with camera traps.
Pertinax, international and local wildlife officials and local populations have known about the ongoing presence of rhinos in Gunung Leuser so this news shouldn't induce a shift in poaching activity.

 

[jwer]

Why would anyone guesstimate 60-80 animals when none have been seen for 26 years? Sounds to me it's remarkable that any are there at all...

Hasn't it been "known" that 150-200 animals was wishfull thinking at best for quite some time?

 

[nanoboy]

This sounds like mixed news then. On the one hand, it is great to hear that there any rhinos at all, but on the other hand, it is sad that there aren't more than 7. The end result, I hope, is the same: the park, and the animals there, should gain more protection from human encroachment, poaching, and hunting.

 

[Pertinax]

I'm sorry, but this isn't being considered good news. The current population estimate of 150-200 animals includes 60-80 at Gunung Leuser.
1 male and 6 females were photographed, the highest population estimate for the park is now 27 animals.

This news about the 7 caught on camera belies the real picture then. So this new estimate for Gunung Leuser brings the total population estimate down by about 40-50 animals? Not so good.

I am pleased to hear that this announcement won't/shouldn't have any bearing on poaching activity though.