The birth of a rare Sumatran rhino at an Indonesian sanctuary has been hailed as a victory for the threatened species, according to environmental officials.
The newborn Sumatran rhino’s mother, named Rosa, gave birth to the female calf in captivity at the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary located in Way Kambas National Park in the Lampung Province on March 24, according to Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment.
Photo via Indonesia Ministry of Environment
The World Wildlife Fund estimates that only about 80 Sumatran rhinos remain, making them a critically endangered species. The remnant population once roamed Southeast Asia, but now resides on the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Borneo.
The rare birth has increased the sanctuary's overall number of Sumatran rhinos to eight, giving the species new hope.
Photo via Indonesia Ministry of Environment
According to NBC News, Wiratno, the environment ministry’s director-general of conservation said in a statement: “The birth of the Sumatran rhino is good news amid the efforts of the Indonesian government and partners to increase the Sumatran rhino population.”
Poaching and habitat destruction have put Sumatran rhinos in peril for a long time.
Animal traffickers harvest their horns for commercial and medical purposes, with traditional Chinese medicine being one of the most common uses. Human intrusion into their habitat also played a role in their dwindling numbers.
What great news! And the baby is adorable!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
