The fuzzy Sumatran rhino is one of Earth’s most endangered species on Earth, with less than 100 believed to still be alive in the whole world. But it looks like the littlest rhino species might have a chance at making a comeback.

Researchers from the World Wildlife Foundation recently spotted a Sumatran rhino in Kalimantan, the Indonesian side of Borneo island. It’s the first such sighting in 40 years – a fact made even more remarkable because experts had long believed that the species had gone completely extinct in the area.

“This is an exciting discovery and a major conservation success,” said Dr Efransjah, CEO of WWF-Indonesia, in a press statement. “We now have proof that a species once thought extinct in Kalimantan still roams the forests, and we will now strengthen our efforts to protect this extraordinary species.”

Researcher spotted the female rhino, estimated to be four to five years old and managed to safely capture it in a pit trap in Kutai Barat, East Kalimantan, on March 12.

The female Sumatran rhino is estimated to be between four and five years old. Photo: Ari Wibowo / WWF-Indonesia

Survey teams actually already knew that Sumatran rhinos were still alive in Borneo back in 2013, having found footprints and taken remotely captured photos of the rare creatures. It is believed there are 15 rhinos living in three groups in the Kutai Barat area.



The female rhino will be taken by helicopter to a protected forest about 150 km from where she was captured. It is hoped that the protected area will become a second Sumatran rhino sanctuary in Indonesia.

Most of the world’s remaining Sumatran rhinos are living in the wild in Sumatra, where they are threatened by poaching and habitat loss due to mining, plantations and logging.

“This is a race against time for rhino conservation. Providing a safe home is the only hope for the survival of the Sumatran rhino for many generations to come,” said Dr Efransjah. “WWF will work continuously with the Sumatran rhino conservation team for the protection of the Sumatran rhino population in Kalimantan.”

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