Posted 03 Jul 2009

Unless extensive measures are taken to protect their natural habitat, the future of the Borneo rhino hangs in the balance, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

The WWF pointed out this week that wildlife officials believe there to be just 30 of the creatures left on the Malaysian side of Borneo wild and said that their habitat needs to be stabilised if they are to survive.

Raymond Alfred, senior manager of the WWF Malaysia Borneo Special Programme, explained: "The future of rhinos in Borneo now depends on how seriously the forest reserves can be managed sustainably."

He is calling for wildlife and forestry officials in Sabah to boost their efforts to ensure that increasing numbers of palm oil plantations do not continue to encroach upon the animals’ territory.

This news comes after Mr Alfred’s team captured the image of a female Borneo rhino, estimated to be about 20 years old, on camera last month, marking the first time one has been caught on film since 2006.

Category: Asia