Do we really want to save the Sumatran rhinoceros? (commentary)

At present rates of destruction, in about 25 years there will be no rainforests outside protected areas in Malaysia, already void of Sumatran rhinoceroses, nor in Indonesia. Many fewer than 100 Sumatran rhinos remain in fragmented populations in Sumatra and Borneo. In addition to the wild populations, there are nine Sumatran rhinos in captivity (six in Indonesia and three in Sabah). Half of them are actually non-reproductive individuals because of degenerated physical conditions: long term isolation and lack of breeding has caused their reproductive organs to deteriorate.

Recently, two main recommendations emerged from the countless (inversely proportional to actual results) meetings:

• new genetic material is needed to decrease the species’ risk of extinction and enhance its viability;
• the populations need to be managed under a truly global management system

source: http://news.mongabay.com/2016/04/really-want-save-sumatran-rhinoceros-commentary/