At the end of November, a new baby Rhino was born into the endangered Sumatran Rhino species through the efforts of Way Kamba’s National Park on the western island of Sumatra, Indonesia. This baby rhino is the second birth of a Sumatran rhino in 2023.
The Indonesian Environment and Forestry Organization monitors the Rhino species, specifically the Way Kambas location. Most of the remaining rhinos are located on Sumatra, but the numbers directly in conservation are increasing. They are being threatened by the destruction of their habitat in the tropical forest along with the poachers targeting them for their horns. This conservation organization is doing their best to raise awareness for the endangered Sumatran rhinos and are connecting with the Indonesian Government on their conservation efforts. Deeya Vaishnav (11) believes, “We can raise awareness for these endangered species by fighting for better protection against hunters and promoting their safety.” Through government support, the Way Kambas location has been able to have 5 semi-natural rhino births.
Sumatran rhinos are the only rhino with two horns which makes them a greater target for poachers. They are more closely related to the extinct woolly rhinos than any other living rhino species. With their unique qualities and close relation to an extinct species, their conservation is all the more crucial. Their critical endangerment highlights the environmental crisis all the more.
Other animals are also facing endangerment; gorillas, tigers, turtles, elephants, leopards, and more are all facing endangerment due to climate changes and excessive hunting of their species or their prey. While there are conservation efforts for all of these species, there will always be a continuous cycle of endangerment, vulnerability, and concern for all animals. “I am hoping to see a rise in population for tigers since they are so beautiful and crucial to their ecosystems.” said Aliza Harner (11). In 2023, the endangered Bengal tiger population numbers have risen to a record high in India. Hopefully, Sumatran rhinos will follow this pattern.
