In order to capture Sumatran rhinos so that they can be transferred to a safe location, special methods have been devised to trap the rhinos in a way that minimises injury to the animal and risk to conservation staff.

According to experts, this is the safest way to do it.

A smooth pit is constructed without a weak spot. It is also not possible for the rhino to charge at the wall and do harm to itself.

Constructing a rhino trap, July 2013

A conventional surface trap in the form of a small paddock brings two risks: first, the rhino may quickly find the weakest point and work on it continuously until it can escape; or  if there is no weak spot, the rhino may run and charge repeatedly at the fence, injuring its face and head.

After just two months, the trap is invisible. It is half filled with twigs to break the fall.