The Javan Rhino

Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) is one of the rarest species in the world with an estimated population of no more than 55 individuals in Ujung Kulon National Park (TNUK) (BTNUK, 2011). Javan rhino is also the most endangered rhino species among the five species of rhinos in the world and entered in the Red List of IUCN world conservation body, namely the category of critically endangered.
 

Since 1962, WWF has initiated a study of the Javan rhino population in Ujung Kulon with Dr. expert support. Rudolph Schenkel. Current research on the Javan rhino is still underway and is directed to obtain important information about patterns of behavior, distribution, migration, population, sex ratio, and genetic diversity. Apart from research and support for anti-poaching patrols Javan rhino, WWF-Indonesia in Ujung Kulon National Park is also focusing its activities on habitat management efforts in the hope that preserved habitat would be able to sustain the remaining population. These efforts include lowering the threat of encroachment and illegal activities such as poaching, reducing the growth of nuisance plant species (Arenga spp) and field competition between the rhinoceros with banteng (Bos javanicus), and increased availability of food plants rhinoceros.
 

Physical Characteristics of the Javan rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus)

• Generally have a gray body color blackish.
• Has only one horn, with a length of about 25 cm but it is possible not grow or is very small in females.
• Weight of a Javan rhino can reach 900 - 2300 kg with a body length of about 2-4 m.
• The height can reach almost 1.7 m.
• Her skin has folds so that it looks sort of like wearing a shield of steel.
• Having a way similar to the Indian rhinoceros, but the body and head is smaller with fewer number of folds.
• More prominent upper lip so that it can be used to grab food and put it into his mouth.
• Rhino including shy and solitary species (solitary).

Javan Rhino Population and Distribution

Javan rhino have lived in almost all the mountains in West Java, among others are up to an altitude above 3000 meters above sea level. In the 1960s, an estimated 20 to 30 tail alone remaining rhinos in Ujung Kulon TN. Population increases until doubled in 1967 to 1978 after done with strict safeguards, partly carried out with support from WWF-Indonesia. Since the late 1970s, the Javan rhino population seems stable. WWF-Indonesia estimates that the Javan rhino population in Ujung Kulon is in the range of 26-58 individual with the highest average of 42 tail (as of 2000). (BTNUK, 2011) issued a Javan rhino population forecast information on the month Feb-Nov 2011 the estimated population of 45-55 individuals, the results of camera traps in the can 35 individuals who have been identified consisting of 22 individual males, 13 females and 4 Individuals individual child Rhino consists of 3 males and 1 female.