The Sumatran rhino currently is likely the most threatened of the three Asian rhino species, with possibly only around 100 individuals surviving in three separate populations on Sumatra.

This feasibility study aimed to develop and establish an Intensive Management Zone (IMZ) inside the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (BBSNP) and to anchor its administration and management within the existing structures of the Park. It is proposed to establish the IMZ within a larger Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ), where particular efforts are made to halt and reverse pressure on the Park’s ecosystem. Establishing this IMZ shall contribute to achieving population growth in Sumatran rhinos within the Park and long-term persistence of this critically endangered and highly charismatic species in the area. In turn, Sumatran rhinos can act as “key ambassador species” to ensure protection of the biodiverse forests in the BBSNP from further encroachment, deforestation and degradation.

Objectives of the study were to:

• Identify institutional mandates and capacities, consult stakeholders on proposed institutional arrangements for IMZ management, and identify potential measures to secure long-term political support and mandate for the IMZ/IPZ construct;
• Outline positive effects for rhino presence on general protection of the BBSNP, both with regard to past external funding (e.g. anti-encroachment effect of the Rhino Protection Unit funded via the International Rhino Foundation) and as an attractor for future external funding.