SUPPORTED PROJECTS

Reintroducing the Sumatran rhinoceros in Gunung Leuser National Park, Sumatra, Indonesia

Wulan Pusparini

The Leuser ecosystem in northern Sumatra has been identified as an area with one of the largest Sumatran rhinoceros populations in the world. While the population in southern Sumatra is well studied, little is known about the current status of this critically endangered species in the north. This project will be the first systematic survey conducted since van Strien’s expedition in 1979 – 1981. The overall goal of this initiative is to update the status of the Sumatran rhinoceros population in northern Sumatra and advise the Ministry of Forestry on how to improve the current conservation strategy and action plan. A detection/non-detection signs-based survey following a robust patch occupancy framework will be carried out in upper Mamas valley covering the same area of van Strien’s expedition.