RHINO CONSERVATION
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The International Rhino Foundation is dedicated to the survival of the world’s rhino species through conservation and research. At the heart of IRF’s vision is the belief that these magnificent species should endure for future generations, and that protecting rhinos ensures the survival of many other species that share their habitat, including people.
All five living rhino species (Black, White, Indian, Sumatran and Javan) are in terrible peril - from poaching, from forest loss and habitat conversion, and from human settlements encroaching on their habitats in Africa, Indonesia, and India. IRF’s current major programs include: 1) Indonesia Rhino Protection Units, anti-poaching patrol units which protect Sumatran and Javan rhinos in the wild; 2) the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary, a research and breeding center for Sumatran rhinos in Way Kambas National Park; 3) the Javan Rhino Study and Conservation Area, a program to expand the only viable habitat for Javan rhinos in the world by 4,000 hectares; 4) Indian Rhino Vision 2020, a program aimed at increasing the number of Indian rhinos and spreading the population out over more protected areas; 5) Zimbabwe Lowveld Rhino Conservation Program, which provides management, monitoring and veterinary interventions for black rhinos in Zimbabwe; and 6) Operation Stop Poaching Now, a campaign to provide training and equipment to anti-poaching units in Zimbabwe and South Africa. IRF also supports scientific research, regularly providing grants for work that is directly applicable to management, propagation and conservation of rhinoceros species in nature and in captivity. |
