Sumatran Rhino Conservation Planning

Mandate

To lead and coordinate the rescue of the Sumatran rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) from extinction. With very few individuals surviving in isolated, fragmented populations, the sub-committee’s mandate is to consolidate conservation interventions, coordinate captive and semi-wild breeding efforts, and manage the species at a population level to maximise the probability of long-term survival.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive Sumatran rhino species survival strategy integrating in-situ and ex-situ components.
• Coordinate directly with field teams managing all known wild populations, including the last confirmed wild population in the Leuser Ecosystem, Aceh.
• Oversee population viability analysis and advise on genetic management priorities.
• Coordinate with the Conservation Breeding & Assisted Reproduction sub-committee on managed and semi-wild breeding programmes, including the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary at Way Kambas.
• Advise on emergency interventions including translocation of isolated wild individuals to managed breeding facilities.
• Engage the Indonesian government, Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (BRIN) and international partners on national Sumatran rhino action plans.
• Commission and review scientific research on population genetics, reproductive biology and habitat requirements.
• Develop communications materials on the species’ conservation status to support fundraising and public awareness.

Relationship to leadership

Given the acute conservation emergency facing the Sumatran rhino, this sub-committee has a dual Leadership Focal Point: Christy Williams and Kurnia Khairani. It works in exceptionally close coordination with the Conservation Breeding & Assisted Reproduction and Partners of AsRSG sub-committees, to align field operations with managed breeding programmes and funding pipelines.