Javan Rhinoceros
Endangered Animal Species Native to Indonesia
Background Information
Until the middle of the 19th century, the Javan rhino was widespread. Because all three species of Asiatic rhinos occurred in the same general region, and early reports failed to distinguish between them, it is impossible to be certain of the precise historical range.
Fewer than 55 Javan rhinos are believed to exist in two populations; between 35 and 50 Javan rhinos inhabit Ujung Kulon National Park in West Java, Indonesia. The Javan rhinoceros weighs 3200 - 4400 lb. It has one horn and prominent folds in the skin. The horn grows onto a roughened area of the skull. The Javan rhino is hairless except for its ears and tail tip. Its thick gray skin is divided by deep folds to make a "saddle" over the neck. The single horn rarely exceeds 25 cm long and is lacking in some females. The Javan rhino prefers tall grass and reed beds in lowland rain forests with a good supply of water and plentiful mud wallows. Its diet consists of shoots, twigs, young foliage and fallen fruit. It remains near water and enjoys bathing and wallowing in mud. Javan rhinos are mostly solitary except for mating pairs and mothers with young.
Threats and Causes of Endangerment
Solutions and Successes
Facts
- Family: Rhinocerotidae
Scientific Name: Rhinoceros sondaicus
- Vernacular Name: Badak raya, BadakThe Javan rhino is one of the world’s rarest mammals.
Scientific Name: Rhinoceros sondaicus
- Vernacular Name: Badak raya, BadakThe Javan rhino is one of the world’s rarest mammals.
- In 1934 the Javan rhino was said to be the rarest of all the earth's large mammals, and may remain so today.
- Chinese poachers threatened the Javan rhino in the Udjung Kulon reserve. However, after a poacher was killed by a Javan tiger in the reserve, the poachers left for fear of the tigers.
- The Javan rhino can tolerate disturbed forest.
- The Javan rhino usually seeks to escape rather than attack an enemy, although when wounded or with a calf it may charge.