Nicolaas Jan van Strien

Who was Nicolaas Jan van Strien?

Nicolaas Jan van Strien, or just Nico van Strien, was a zoologist and conservationist of Dutch ancestry. He became notable for his conservation projects on the Sumatran Rhinoceros and the Javan Rhinoceros.

Nico van Strien was born in Etterbeek, Belgium on April 1, 1946. He obtained a Master of Science degree at the Free University of Amsterdam in 1971. In 1985 he received a Ph.D. degree in Agricultural science from Wageningen University.

Dr. van Strien was the South-East Asian programme officer for the International Rhino Foundation and the co-chairman of the IUCN / SSC Asian Rhino Specialist Group from 1998 to 2008. He took part in Rhinoceros conservation projects in India, Sumatra and Java for 30 years. His field research on the Sumatran Rhinoceros in Gunung Leuser National Park was important for conservation measurements on this species. He further co-ordinated anti-poaching activities in the key Asian rhinoceros reserves, and was involved in captive breeding programs.

Nico van Strien was also a key member at the IUCN Tapir Specialist Group.