Keeping the Five Alive: “Pragmatic Hope” for Rhinos

Martha Parker smiling in the foreground with a large, armored Greater One-Horned rhino grazing in the tall grass behind her in India.
Seeing the success story firsthand: Martha in India, where the Greater One-Horned rhino population has rebounded to over 4,100 individuals.

When you think of a rhino, do you see a prehistoric tank or a secretive, singing forest dweller? According to Martha Parker, Director of Grants & Partnership Development with the International Rhino Foundation (IRF), the answer is both—and they need our help now more than ever.

In this episode, host Kevin Matteson catches up with Martha (a Dragonfly alum!) to discuss the “State of the Rhino,” the reality of “matchmaking” for critically endangered species, and why conservation is ultimately a “people business.”

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3 Key Takeaways

  • The “State of the Rhino” is a Mixed Bag: While the Greater One-Horned Rhino is a massive success story—rebounding from 100 to over 4,100 individuals—the Indonesian Javan and Sumatran rhinos remain on the brink with fewer than 50 each. Meanwhile, in Africa, despite rising numbers, poaching remains the primary threat to Black and White rhinos.
  • Rhinos are Ecosystem Engineers: They aren’t just “cool” megafauna; they shape the world around them. Much like elephants, rhinos act as landscape architects through seed dispersal, clearing brush, and creating wallows that provide water and habitat for countless smaller species.

The Power of “Human-Centered” Conservation: Martha emphasizes that saving wildlife isn’t just about being in a Jeep in the field. It requires “people skills”—grant writing, partnership building, and behavioral science. True conservation success happens when we design programs that account for human needs and barriers alongside wildlife protection.

A candid shot of Martha Parker outdoors in Borneo, carefully holding a small tree sapling during a reforestation project.
Conservation is a hands-on “people business.” Martha is planting a sapling in Borneo as part of reforestation efforts during an Earth Expeditions course.
Hidden Gem: The Singing Rhino?

Did you know the Sumatran rhino is the smallest, hairiest, and most vocal of all rhino species? Martha shares an enchanting “field note” about her time at the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary, describing the rhinos as “loud eaters” who actually sing to one another. These shy, solitary creatures make incredible, melodic noises that you have to hear to believe.

Martha Parker on a high wooden swing, soaring out over a vast, green valley and sunny landscape in the Galápagos Islands.
Taking the leap: From the “magic swing” in the Galápagos to the “honeymoon paddocks” for Sumatran rhinos in Indonesia, Martha’s journey in conservation is fueled by a sense of pragmatic hope.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Check out the full list of podcasts on our Dragonfly Conversations page.

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