The Javan Rhino

With an estimated current population of only 50 individuals in Ujung Kulon National Park, and no more than 5 in Cat Tien National Park - Vietnam, the Javan rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus) is clearly one of the most endangered species in the world. It is also the rarest of the five rhino species found in the world and is listed in the IUCN Red Book as Critically Endangered. As early as 1962, WWF pioneered scientific research on these rare animals with the expertise of Dr. Rudolph Schenkel. Today, ongoing research activities on the Javan rhino continue to reveal critical information on behavioral patterns, distribution, movement, population size, sex ratio and genetic diversity.

Apart from conducting research on Javan rhino and supporting anti-poaching patrols, WWF effort in Ujung Kulon National Park is also focused on supporting the habitat management in the hope that the existing environment can maintain a larger population. These efforts include reducing threats from encroachment and illegal extractions and initiating ways to reduce Javan rhino competition with Banteng (Bos Javanicus) and to increase the availability of their food plant by halting and reducing the invasion of Arenga palm.

Physical Descriptions of the Javan rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus)

Picture of baby java rhinoceroes

    * It is dusky grey in colour

    * Its weight ranges between 900-2,300 kg, and the body length between 2-4 m.

    * Its height can reach up to 170 cm.

    * Its skin has a number of loose folds giving the appearance of armor plating.

    * It is similar in appearance but slightly smaller than the Indian rhino, with a much smaller        head and the skin       folds less apparent.

    * The upper lip is pointed and can be used to grasp food and bring it to the mouth

Javan Rhino Program WWF - Indonesia

http://www.rhinocare.info

.It is amazing how little we know about Javan Rhino.

Maybe as little as their population number that only about 50 individuals left around the world.

WWF Indonesia asks you to join RhinoCare Program; a Javan Rhino care initiative movement. Where you can symbolically adopt and grant them your love through donations.

When you adopt a Rhino, you, your family, class, team or company will have the opportunity to become personally involved in the fight to save Javan Rhinos.

Are they will become history in the future? It's your cal

The only viable population of Javan rhinos in the world

Indonesia's Ujung Kulon National Park on the western-most tip of the island of Java is home to 50-60 Javan rhinos - the world's largest population.

This was the only known population, until less than 10 rhinos were discovered clinging to survival in Vietnam's Cat Tien National Park in the 1980s. Thus, Ujung Kulon is absolutely critical for the survival of the Javan rhino as well as numerous other endangered species, many of which are endemic - occurring nowhere else but the island of Java.

Java: densely populated and deforested

The island of Java is home to over 100 million people, making it one of the most densely populated areas on our planet. Not surprisingly, almost all of Java's forests have been destroyed, with a few remaining on steep mountain slopes and infertile areas. Indeed, the last tigers in Java died out in the 1980s.

A natural haven for the rhino Ujung Kulon National Park contains a unique remnant of lowland Javan rainforest separated from inhabited areas by a volcano and narrow isthmus.

Ujung Kulon is home to numerous endangered species, providing a stronghold for species like the Javan rhinoceros, Javan gibbon, and banteng, a species of wild cattle.

WWF's early days in Ujung Kulon

WWF first began supporting conservation work in Ujung Kulon in 1964, by providing equipment to Indonesian park authorities and funding scientific research. In 1967, an estimated 21-28 Javan rhinos lived in Ujung Kulon, but anti-poaching patrols and habitat protection allowed the population to grow to 45-54 animals by 1976.