A review of the status and approximate range of sumatran rhino population in Sg. Dusun game reserve and surrounding areas

Mohd Zuber Mohd. Zain, . A review of the status and approximate range of sumatran rhino population in Sg. Dusun game reserve and surrounding areas. pp. 1-35. ISSN 0121-8126

This paper is esentially a review of the earlier findings by D.L. Strickland with respect to the status and home-range of the Sumatran rhinos in Sg. Dusun Game Reserve and the surrounding areas. This study reveals that the ranges described earlier is esentially a part of movement within the core area; an area that span between the northern and the North-western half of the reserve towards Sg. Bernam. During the course of study we found abundant rhino signs on both sides of Bernam river from the DID headworks to the point where Sg. Dusun joined Sg. Bernam. Signs were also found South of Felda Besaot 4 and therefore the core area defined earlier should also include this recent findings. Total excursion range of the Sumatran rhinos should include a movement typical of this animal but irregular referred as 'wandering'. A factor yet undetermined prompted the individual to abandon the usual pattern of movement within the core area and embarked on a far ranging journey . This was observed last year. A rhino survey was undertaken to determine the status of the population. From the results obtained it was deduced that the minimum population consist of five animals. A pair believed to be a mother and a semi-independant calf were found within the reserve and this reproduction indicated that the population is viable. A project to increase food supply was initiated. It was observed that Bertam which was extensive here had a suppressive effect on the regenerations of plants which form the major supply of rhino food. Cutting of Bertam increased regenerations and it was observed that rhino began visiting this area.. In those areas where food is scarce planting of rhino food plants is recommended. It is hoped that the increase in food supply will increase carrying capacity and will confine the rhinos in a smaller area in the reserve thus encouraging mating. Conservation measures taken were mentioned and several conservation proposals were highlighted. Dangers threatening the population were discussed and possible solutions forwarded. The population has a good future. It will definitely survive and multiply as the Javan rhinos in Udjong Kulon if serious conservation effort is implemented.

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Abstract

This paper is esentially a review of the earlier findings by D.L. Strickland with respect to the status and home-range of the Sumatran rhinos in Sg. Dusun Game Reserve and the surrounding areas. This study reveals that the ranges described earlier is esentially a part of movement within the core area; an area that span between the northern and the North-western half of the reserve towards Sg. Bernam. During the course of study we found abundant rhino signs on both sides of Bernam river from the DID headworks to the point where Sg. Dusun joined Sg. Bernam. Signs were also found South of Felda Besaot 4 and therefore the core area defined earlier should also include this recent findings. Total excursion range of the Sumatran rhinos should include a movement typical of this animal but irregular referred as 'wandering'. A factor yet undetermined prompted the individual to abandon the usual pattern of movement within the core area and embarked on a far ranging journey . This was observed last year. A rhino survey was undertaken to determine the status of the population. From the results obtained it was deduced that the minimum population consist of five animals. A pair believed to be a mother and a semi-independant calf were found within the reserve and this reproduction indicated that the population is viable. A project to increase food supply was initiated. It was observed that Bertam which was extensive here had a suppressive effect on the regenerations of plants which form the major supply of rhino food. Cutting of Bertam increased regenerations and it was observed that rhino began visiting this area.. In those areas where food is scarce planting of rhino food plants is recommended. It is hoped that the increase in food supply will increase carrying capacity and will confine the rhinos in a smaller area in the reserve thus encouraging mating. Conservation measures taken were mentioned and several conservation proposals were highlighted. Dangers threatening the population were discussed and possible solutions forwarded. The population has a good future. It will definitely survive and multiply as the Javan rhinos in Udjong Kulon if serious conservation effort is implemented.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	Rhinoceroses
AGROVOC Term:	Animal population
AGROVOC Term:	Food availability
AGROVOC Term:	Nature conservation
AGROVOC Term:	Censuse
AGROVOC Term:	Habitats
Depositing User:	Mr. AFANDI ABDUL MALEK
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 00:54
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/8626

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