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Sumatran rhinos are on the verge of extinction. Only 30 to 80 individuals remain and they all live in Indonesia. Conservationists are working to preserve the species, but it is challenging as it’s difficult for Sumatran rhinos to conceive.
A new sanctuary was under development in the Leuser system, an Indonesian biodiversity hotspot under threat from the palm oil industry, when the coronavirus outbreak occurred. The sanctuary was to be completed next year, but it has now been delayed after a lockdown and other coronavirus-related restrictions were implemented in Indonesia.
The Leuser system was chosen for the new sanctuary, as it is considered the best habitat for Sumatran rhinos. This is evidenced by the fact that it hosts 12 members of the species, the largest population of Sumatran rhinos.
The sanctuary would serve as a protected area for the rhinos in the Leuser system and as a captive breeding facility. Due to the difficulties Sumatran rhinos face in terms of reproduction, captive breeding may be the last chance the species has of survival. The sanctuary is therefore vital to the preservation of Sumatran rhinos.