But could it work in the Grampians?

Halls Gap Zoo plan on bringing two southern white rhinos to the zoo by September. 

James Cook University Distinguished Research Professor and Australian Laureate Bill Laurance says rhinos could be introduced to Australia as semi-wild or managed population. 

“I am not suggesting that rhinos be allowed to roam free in Australia,” he said. 

“The idea is about semi-wild rhino populations in cattle stations.

“Breeding programs could also perhaps be a buffer to the extinction of rhinos.” 

Professor Laurance’s idea aims to address the diminishing rhino population. 

Two species of rhino in Asia – Javan and Sumatran – are critically endangered. 

The western black rhino and the northern white rhinos have recently gone extinct in the wild. 

The last species of rhino is the southern white rhino. 

Only 20 southern white rhinos existed a century ago but their population now stands at 20,000. 

Professor Laurance said the rhino population was endangered largely due to the “devastating” impact of poaching.

Poaching is the illegal hunting, killing or capturing of animals. A rhino horn is valued up to US$30,000 each. 

“China, in particular, needs to clamp down on its illegal trade of rhino horns,”  Professor Laurance said.

“Desperate times call for desperate measures and this idea aims to address the rhino species that are endangered. 

“This idea is to be provocative and to try to make people aware.” 

Professor Laurance said after publishing the idea, leading scientists contacted him to say it was a completely legitimate idea.

Can introducing a semi-wild rhino population work in the Grampians?

“It might be on the cool side for rhinos,” Professor Laurance said. 

“Rhinos are tropical and sub-tropical animals, but southern white rhinos might be OK in the Grampians.”