In an attempt to ensure the survival of the Sumatran rhinoceros, conservation officials in the southern Lampung province are planning to intensify protection of the double-horned animal, an official said Monday.
"The first priority is safeguarding the rhinos' habitat in the Lampung province," said Djodi Mochtar, chairman of the government agency for the natural preservation office in Lampung.Efforts also would be made to carry out semi-captive breeding on semi-natural areas for the rhinos, Mochtar said, adding, "we know that rhinos are not an easy animal" compared to other species, especially since it has a penchant for solidarity, which makes it difficult to find.
Mochtar said, in a telephone conversation with United Press International, that he did not have a timetable or specific party who would be involved in the project although "there are some rhino specialists already interested to the plan."
"We also expect support would come from the World Wide Fund for Nature and other agencies," he said.
Mochtar acknowledged that the number of Sumatran rhinos has continued to decrease as their habitat has been destroyed by development activities, leaving only tens of the endangered animals at present.