What is the current situation for rhinos in Sabah?
There are two, very small breeding populations, in Tabin Wildlife Reserve and in and around Danum Valley Conservation Area. In addition, surviving in a few scattered locations in eastern and central Sabah, there are a very few remnant rhinos, which are not viable long-term due to their very small numbers and limited remaining forest habitat. That means that there are probably fewer than 40 rhinos in Sabah, but only a small percentage are breeding females living within potentially viable populations. Without specific new actions, the prospects do not look good. Normally, when a species gets to such low numbers, with so few breeding females in viable sites, the most likely outcome would be extinction. Extinction may result not only from random deaths from sickness or poaching, but also as a result of inadequate breeding rate (not enough individuals exist to meet and mate), and potentially from the adverse health effects of inbreeding (breeding amongst close relatives). Despite various co
