Nicolaas Jan van Strien
(April 1, 1946-February 7, 2008)
View Dr. Nico van Strien, 61, IRF Asian Program Coordinator, died peacefully on February 7th in Doorn, the Netherlands, following a year-long battle with cancer. “Nico”, as he was known to colleagues, was, without a doubt, the world’s authority on both Sumatran and Javan rhinos, having studied and authored numerous scientific papers on both species. He dedicated more than 30 years of his life to rhinos.
Dr. van Strien earned a M.Sc. in 1971 at the Free University of Amsterdam, and a Ph.D. in 1985 in Agricultural Sciences from Wageningen University, Netherlands. His doctoral dissertation work, for which he spent 5 years in and walked 3,800 km through the Gunung Leuser Ecosystem, remains the definitive work on the ecology of Sumatran rhinos. Nico worked in a number of countries during his career, including in Malawi where he worked as a biology lecturer at Chancellors College. He also provided critical technical advice to a number of groups, including the UNDP-Global Environment Facility, the IUCN Asian Rhino Specialist Group, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. As Chair of the IUCN Asian Rhino Specialist Group over the past several years, his tireless efforts were instrumental in helping people to work together for rhino conservation throughout Southeast Asia, including convening experts working on greater one-horned rhinos in India and Nepal last year so that cross-boundary conservation efforts between the two countries could take wing. Dr. van Strien was a long-term member of many other distinguished organizations, chairman of the Van Tienhoven Foundation for International Nature Protection, serving on the Board of the Netherlands Committee for International Nature Conservation and the Golden Ark Foundation, and as a member of the IUCN Tapir Specialist Group, the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Saugethierkunde, and a life member of the Malawi Wildlife Society.
Nico officially served as IRF’s Asian Rhino Program Coordinator from April 1998 to January 2008, but worked as an advisor for several years before that. He deftly coordinated our work throughout Asia, including Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Malaysia and other countries. Along with IRF’s late Program Director and one of his dearest friends, Dr. Tom Foose, he was responsible for the success of our rhino conservation programs in Indonesia, including Rhino Protection Units in Bukit Barisan Selatan, Way Kambas, and Ujung Kulon National Parks, as well as the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary, a captive research and propagation facility in Way Kambas. “There is no doubt that both Sumatran and Javan rhinos survive today because of Nico’s deep knowledge, passion and vision for their conservation,” said IRF’s President, John Lukas.
We will miss Nico’s dry sense of humor, his straightforward approach to life, and his dedication to and love for rhinos and the people who work so diligently to save them. To those who had the chance to work with him, he always seemed happiest when near wild rhinos - wandering in deep forest or boggy wetlands in his characteristic polo shirt, shorts, and flip flops - looking in all directions for rhino sign. His enthusiasm and deep knowledge engendered deep respect from colleagues worldwide and will be forever missed in the conservation world.
Nico is survived by his loving wife, Tineke van Strien-Reijgersberg, and sons Maarten and Willem. The IRF sends its most profound condolences to Nico’s family, and we want them to know that all of his colleagues and friends around the world share in our sadness over this untimely loss. Nico’s spirit will live on in IRF’s future endeavors with Asian rhinos.
A question you hopefully can answer. Last year we met a young woman in Bandar Lampung who was named after two researchers from Holland. They were working in Way Kambas around 1980. She asked my wife and me to try and find out who those women are. Because her parents died some years ago she is not able to track them down. The first names of the two researchers are Wyke and Yolanda. Do you know of any research the women have been involved in and of the university that conducted the research? We wo
i never met nico before but fascinated by his immense contribution to the conservation of rhinos. Being a rhino conservationist i would like to send sympathy to all his friends, family and the rhino conservation fraternity.
Though late, I could not stop myself jotting down a few words for Nico. His premature and sudden demise is certainly a great loss in the field of Rhino Conservation. I met him at Kairanga National Park sometime ago. May his soul rest in peace in the loving hands of the Almighty.
I am VERY DEEPLY SHOCKED to know about the passing away of Dr. Nico van Strien. I met him many times during his visits to Assam, India. I know him very well as I was sharing reports of all my Rhino Conservation Projects in Assam. His demise is a great loss for the conservation world which never be filled up. I pray for his eternal soul and ultimate happiness. (Regrettably, I have seen this facility for sending my comment very late, but anyways thanks to IRF for this).
I just found out about the passing of Nico. I was fortunate to have known him when I traveled to Indonesia as one of the BFR trip recepient in '06. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family and the rhino community. May you rest in peace Nico.
I was among those lucky people who could, though more on the organizational side concerning books, and meet(though never in the field but always in conferences in strange places like Basel, Bristol etc.) work with and meet Nico for several times, ans I shall always remember our talks, the beers we had together and the good company and good humour that he always radiated. I promosed him in my last email that we are going to continue work in his sense and we definitely will do it...
I realise now that I knew Nico for a longer time than most : certainly from a 1982 IUCN Asian Rhino Specialist Group meeting, and I think previously - although my memory on this is rather hazy - in 1977 in Endau Rompin, Peninsular Malaysia, during a survey for Sumatran rhinos - ( I am told that the species is now extinct there). In Nico's memory, we need to remember and act upon the famous statement about a small group of committed citizens, attributed to Margaret Mead.
I know Nico van Strien as first name came when I was a student looked on sumatran rhino references for my S1 research at 1988. Almost every journals, books, papers, reports, proceeding that I read about sumatran rhino have his name. Then I found that he is the one and only spent many years in Leuser to study sumatran rhino, and still work and fight for rhino till just now. First time met him in 1990 when I just passed my graduae at rhino workshop in Bogor and I was like met my hero coz always on
I had the privilege of meeting Nico when my father, Dr. Tom Foose, passed away. We had dinner and spoke of the good days with himself and dad. I only wish I would have had the opportunity to spend more time with him. The rhino community has lost two great men. May they rest in peace. It helps to think that maybe they are with countless rhinos who have lost their lives. If so, I am sure they are in heaven. Rebecca
We didn't get opportunity to meet DR. Nico Van, but, he was in our regular touch through email. At this time, we are very very sad due to his demise. We feel it is great lost in rhino conservation; and more specifically in Asian rhino conservation since he was Coordinator of Asian Rhino Program. We would like to convey our condolence to IRF; his family and all other conservationist. May his soul rest in peace.
I never met Dr. van Strien in person, but I have been in touch with him through e-mail about a year ago, when I wrote my Bachelor thesis on the Javan rhino. Nico gave me a very useful list of literature references, without which I would not have been able to finish my thesis. I am shocked to hear the news of his passing. I believe that he will get a special place in Heaven for all the efforts that he has done to save rhinos.
Nico was an inspiration for those of us with a passion for the Sumatran rhinos. His loss is felt deeply. I will look in the sky for the brightest star and know that it is Nico watching over the rhinos he loved so much.
Leaders and staffs of Cat Tien National Park, Viet Nam are very deep condolence concerning the passing away of Dr. Nicolaas Jan Van Strien. He has lot of cooperation and supports for Cat Tien National Park in identify and conservation Vietnamese Rhino. Cat tien National Park is losing a teacher, colleague and a very good friend. We profoundly share in our sadness to Nico’s family over this untimely loss. We are bowing in deep respect to see his soul off to peaceful Heaven. We will continue his
There was bright sunshine on February 11th, the day of Nico’s last farewell. The ceremony in the beautiful church of Doorn had the ring of simplicity and straightforwardness that was Nico’s trademark. In between moving songs of Nico’s choice, Nico received well deserved praise for his outstanding work and his inspiring personality. Nico, we had a glimpse of the purity of the spirit that moved you. That spirit will not die. The ceremony was a final gift to all you left behind.
In 2006 I was fortunate enough to visit Indonesia's BBS, SRS and Ujung Kulon National Park with Nico and company thanks to our Bowling for Rhinos efforts. This is one of most cherished memories in my life! I feel fortunate enough to have known Nico, understand his passion and see his efforts become reality. Another great loss for the rhino community. He will be missed but his passion will live on!
First time I met Nico was at early 2006; I was just a stdent struggling to finish my undergrad thesis. Stumbling in my research question and craving for an answer, I contact him as the only distinguished Sumatran rhino expert. He left me with inspiration of conservation in Indonesia and courage to do something about it. What best in him is he believes in people in a way that makes ones believe in his/her own capability. When I leave this world I hope I've live a meaningful life, just like he di
I am really glad I had the chance to work with Nico on my MSc thesis in SRS and BBS following Rosa. This research inspired me in wanting to do something for the rhinos in Asia, which resulted in setting up our own foundation in the Netherlands. He was really happy now someone in the Netherlands also was working on the conservation of Sumatran rhinos. We will miss him for his expertise and advise for trying to make our organization to a big succes.
I can still fill his voice on my ear with full spirit and certainty that we can save the rhinos and to make a baby at SRS. He is really our spirit and our soul for our commitment to save the rhinos and to breed the rhinos at SRS successfully. I feel really a great loss of my best colleague, my best mentor, my best friend and my best teacher. Through this letter, I and my family offer our deep condolence and pray to the God for his soul rest in peace. Nico's soul always stay in our heart.
When I met Nico and saw him in action, I was blown away by the his industry, his humility, his dedication, his commitment, his courage, his friendship...he was a champion of conservation. I hope we are all able to carry his dreams forward. At times like this an old Irish blessing comes to mind: May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of
I am very shocked and saddened to hear this news. Last time I met Nico was at the Rhino May Day meeting at London Zoo in May 2007. At this hour of great loss, I offer my deep condolence and pray to the god that Nico's soul rest in peace. He will live in our hearts for years to come.
I first started to work with Nico in 2002-3, when Tom Foose persuaded Save the Rhino to buy a new vehicle for the Way Kambas RPU team, and it was the follow up to that grant that introduced me to Nico properly. Since then, we emailed often, and I met him probably once a year at Rhino Maydays, at the AfRSG meeting in 2006, and for a memorable few days in June 2005 when Tom, Evan, Nico, Richard Emslie and others all got together here in London to choose projects to benefit from the EAZA Rhino Camp
my deepest sympathy and condolence on the passing of Dr. Nico. He is a great teacher especailly in rhino issue, I met him in July 2006, during training visit of WWF-Malaysia, Sabah team to Way Kambas national Park, lot of knowledege about rhino we learnt from him, and it were parctically applied in our rhino conservation work in Sabah nowday.
For the first time, I saw him at the film of The Last Rhino. Then I met him last year when we made celebration on Andalas coming. At that time, he looked enjoyed the discussion session and the exhibition. I admire his works and his passion to conserve Indonesian rhinos. Thank you Pak Nico. Rest in peace.
I never met Dr. Nico van Strien but I feel he played a huge part in my life. His research on Sumatran rhinos inspired me to live in Indonesia and study the rhinos. While working with WWF and the RPUs in Sumatra, Dr. Nico van Strien, was continually praised. I wish I could have met him and thanked him personally for inspiring my life and leading me to go to graduate school for wildlife conservation. He is a hero in the world of conservation. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
May Nico rest in peace. Please forward our sincere condolences to the IRF crew – you all worked so closely with Nico and I know he is dearly missed. He leaves a big gap in our hearts too. Nico has been a great mentor and I have learnt so much from him. I feel so privileged to have been able to work with him!!!!!!!
From the bottom of my heart, condolences and sympathy on the passing of Nico. I agree with you that the world has lost him as great conservation leader, especially on rhino issues. Please send my sympathy to Tineke van Strien-Reijgersberg, Maarten and Willem.
My deepest sympathy and condolences on the passing of Nico van Strien. Although I do not have a chance to work with him, I admire his works and his passion to conserve Indonesian rhinos.
Dr. Nico van Strien is our intimate friendship. He passed away is an immense. We learned a lost of things for Vietnam Rhino conservation from him. Please accept my sincere condolenses to Tineke van Strien-Reijgersberg, Maarten and Willem.
From bottom of my heart, I don't know how to say in English my sadness, I just pray for Nico, he is my teacher, he help me so many thing with information of Indonesia mammal. I spent two days working with him in CI Office to get input from him about CI biodiversity data abase, and we share data each other, and he give me a copy of his fantastic work, MAMMAL of Indonesia Database.He invited me and Barita to his apartment in Taman Angrek, and we worked together on the database of Indonesia mammal
During the period that I knew him, Nico’s rhino conservation work has been in Asia which is unknown territory to me and therefore I haven’t been able to fully appreciate the challenges that he faced. However, when he was talking of the Asian rhino situation, it was obvious from Nico’s steady, methodical analysis of this situation that he had a thorough understanding, combined with deep compassion for the rhinos and for the people who are conserving them. Like Tom Foose, he was one of the wise
Dr. Nico Van Strien is an intimate friendship with Cat Tien National Park staff. He devoted his whole life to rhino consevation on the world with a huge fund of knowledge. He worked assiduously, simple life, a very sincere and to every body. We learned a lot of things for Vietnamese rhino conservation from him. He passed away is an immense sadness. Please accept our sincere condolences to Dr. Nico’s family and let pray for salvation of his soul.
I have known Nico since 1990, he was not only an inspiration to me but a friend, and second father to me. I was awe inspired by the results of his painstaking research in 1970's, I was warmed by his generous and kind spirit, and encouraged to do what I have done. Without his help I would surely have stumbled. I will miss Nico in more ways than I can put into words, but he will continue to guide and inspire me.
I am VERY DEEP CONDOLENCE concerning the passing away of Dr. Nico van Strien. He is our mentor, father and teacher for us in rhino conservation in Indonesia. GOD ALMIGHTY must be with him, as his dedication and contribute for rhino conservation around the world and especially to Rhino Conservation Indonesia, and will present them a peaceful place to rest. Let us try hard to continue, without a doubt, his spirit and efforts on a great work that he had been done for rhino and conservatio
I only had the chance to work with Nico for a short time, but I will always be grateful for the kindness and generosity in spirit he has showed me since I joined IRF last year. His enthusiasm, keen intellect, , directness, integrity and humor inspired us all. Nico taught and influenced so many people, especially younger staff, by example and through generously sharing his knowledge. We will remember him as a mentor and friend. Selamat Jalan, Pak Nico. We lost you far too soon.
I only met Nico van Strein at IRF meetings during my time as a Trustee, and my only Rhino experience has been with African animals. Nevertheless I learnt during those meetings of the passionate commitment, clarity of thought and integrity of a man whose loss is a great one to all who care for wildlife and the best of humanity. My deepest sympathy goes to all who have suffered a great loss.