SOS Rhino

SOS Rhino Specials

Rhino Species
Rhino FAQ

PROJECT SUPPORT FROM THE BORNEO RHINO CHALLENGE

ABOUT SOS RHINO

SOS Rhino is a non-profit, international foundation dedicated to preserving the five rhinoceros species in their natural habitats. Our conservation programs combine research, education, marketing and advocacy, all working collectively to achieve sustainable results.

Through diverse stakeholder support, SOS Rhino develops and funds rhino conservation and awareness programs appropriate to individual countries, providing these countries with the information and tools to build lasting rhino conservation.

When work began with the rhinos, minimal reproductive information was available. Dr. Schaffer, founder and president of SOS Rhino, along with researchers associated with the organization, furthered the understanding of reproduction of four out of the five species of rhinoceros.

Presently, one of our major programs is helping to save the last population of rhinos on the island of Borneo, the most endangered of the species, the Sumatran rhino. Because of the ongoing threat of shrinking natural habitats and constant pressure from poaching, the population continues to be in jeopardy. We immediately responded to the request of the Malaysian government's Sabah Wildlife Department to assist their Rhino Protection Units (RPU) and evaluate the fertility potential within their captive animals. We are fostering support from villages and plantation owners surrounding the rhino reserve by instituting ecotourism. We are alerting the public to this rhino's crisis through national and international educational programs and events such as the Borneo Rhino Challenge, exhibits and televised public service announcements. We established a local affiliate non-profit that is generating local support and understanding. With estimates of fewer than 300 Sumatran rhinos remaining, immediate action on this rhino is critical

FUNDS RAISED FROM BORNEO RHINO CHALLENGE 2004:

Funds raised from the Borneo Rhino Challenge 2004 covered the cost of equipment used during surveys and at our river base camp. Funds will also cover the start-up costs for our community outreach program and a local development officer.

Visit Save the Rhino International's web site for details on their contribution of funds raised from the Borneo Rhino Challenge 2004 here.

Equipment purchased with funds raised by Kerry Crosbie and Clare Campbell:

•	Five handheld GPS systems - these will be used in the reserve by the rangers to enable them to trace their positioning in dense forest, record rhino sightings and tracks as well as and encroachment and signs of illegal poaching activities.
•	Two digital cameras with waterproof casing and upgraded memory sticks - to capture rhino sightings, record findings, and identify species of both flora and fauna in the park.
•	Two Satellite phones - a very important purchase for the safety of the rangers and their volunteers that are on patrol in the jungle. Trekking through these jungles is dangerous. These people face the possibility of crossing illegal poachers, wild elephants, cobras and sunbears as well as crossing very rough terrain. Communication with the base camp and emergency services is vital for their safety.
•	One 15hp outboard engine - SOS Rhino have a base camp at the base of the river that enters into the reserve. Using patrol boats they are able to monitor activities on the river and detect suspicious activities such as transport of illegal trade particularly wildlife and timber.
•	One diesel generator - to power the river base camp at night.

FUNDS RAISED FROM BORNEO RHINO CHALLENGE 2006:

Funds raised from the Borneo Rhino Challenge 2006 will be used for equipment and personnel needed for our research and conservation project in Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.

SOS Rhino Team members are undertaking very intensive work at Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Sabah, Borneo an area suspected to have the largest remaining population of the Bornean species of the Sumatran rhino.

We are fully committed to assisting the Sabah Wildlife Department by providing them with data and manpower to help them patrol and protect habitat from illegal poaching and logging. Over 30 surveys were conducted in both 2002 and 2003 which identified a small population of rhinos. Conservation of these is critical.

•	SOS Rhino supports the work of a program officer, scientific director, field coordinator and 14 rangers.
	•	We have committed over the last 2 years $161,700.00, which covers their salaries, transportation, training program and equipment.
	•	We need to raise $7,200.00 for additional tents, building structures and boats for our river base camp its existence will prevent over water invasions into the Reserve.
•	Involvement of volunteers from all over the world has helped provide extra manpower and improved ranger moral. It is vital to keep them safe and in touch with local resources.
	•	$2,620.00 will hire a Community Outreach Officer who will facilitate the relations between volunteers and villagers.
•	In order to understand the demographics, behavior, and nutrition of this rhino species, team members collect survey data using GPS integrated PDA's and customized data collection software.
	•	We have contributed over $3,500.00 for this equipment.
	•	We need $2,500.00 for repair, upkeep and replacement.
•	Two research projects are also on-going: nutrition and genetic fingerprinting.
	•	We have committed $20,000 over 2 years for 2 graduate students.
	•	$5,000 per year will help them continue their studies to include DNA identification of animals.