Raising Awareness for Sumatran Rhinos with Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders

For the last 18 months, a select group of early career conservationists have been working in partnership with the IRF team through the Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders (EWCL) program. Six diverse professionals are committed to supporting our Sumatran rhino program, bringing unique skills and resources to supplement the objectives of the Sumatran Rhino Survival Alliance. A major focus of the EWCL team’s project has been organizing a workshop to be facilitated within the communities surrounding Way Kambas National Park – a native habitat to wild Sumatran rhinos and the location of the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary (SRS). A primary objective of this workshop is to increase participation in the community browse-farming program to support the SRS rhinos. 

These flyers were developed by EWCL’s Sumatran Rhino Team to encourage community members living near rhino habitat to become involved in farming projects that benefit rhinos both in the wild and at the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary.

Their work also includes engagement materials that are both fun and informative for the general public. The video belowis the first in a series that the group is producing to highlight this species and the heroes working to save them.

Additionally, the EWCL group collaborated with the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary (SRS) keepers to develop a quiz where you can discover your Inner Sumatran Rhino! This new feature of our website allows everyone to get to know seven special rhinos in a whole new way. 

The EWCL Class 8 Sumatran Rhino Team is comprised of representatives from different sectors of the conservation community, already leaders in their own right. Their career backgrounds are wide ranging, from field research, environmental education, non-profit management, wildlife filmmaking, AZA animal management, public outreach, and social science.

The International Rhino Foundation is proud to be working alongside this passionate group on this important project and very grateful for their dedication to this species.

Learn more about the Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders (EWCL) program at http://wildlifeleaders.org