Rhino population dwindling in Jambi

Rhino population dwindling in Jambi

JAMBI, Jambi: The Sumatran rhino population is dwindling
because of poaching and deforestation, a forestry official said
yesterday.

Only between 200 and 300 rhinos live in the hill forests of
Kerinci and Sorolangun districts in West Sumatra, the local
natural resource conservation center's chief, Romon Palete, told
Antara.

The number of rhinos is decreasing and their habitat is
shrinking as a result of deforestation in the last decade.

"The rhinos now number an estimated 200 to 300, including
those in the Kerinci Seblat National Park," he said.

Palete said only 150 rhinos were believed to be living in the
park.

"The hunting activities are neatly organized, including the
marketing of the rhino horns which are sold in the international
market," he said.

Palete said the inadequate number of forest rangers may have
contributed to the continued illegal hunting of the protected
species.