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Javan Rhinoceros
Rare, mysterious, and highly threatened
Common Name: Javan rhinoceros, lesser one-horned rhino; Rhinocéros de la Sonde (Fr); Rinoceronte de Java(Sp)
Scientific Name: Rhinoceros sondaicus
Habitat: Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Location: Western Indonesia, Eastern Indochina
Population: 28-56 in Ujung Kulon National Park, Java, Indonesia; no more than 8 in Cat Tien National Park, Vietnam
Background
The Javan (or lesser one-horned) rhino is probably the rarest large mammal species in the world, and is on the brink of extinction. Fewer than 60 individuals are thought to survive in the wild, and there are none in captivity.
Human population pressures in the two protected areas where Javan rhinos are known to exist - Ujung Kulon National Park in Indonesia and Cat Tien National Park in Vietnam - are extremely high. Poaching is an ever-present threat. WWF is active in both Ujung Kulon and Cat Tien, but the battle for the survival of the Javan rhino is still a long way from being won.
Physical Description
- Indonesian Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus sondaicus)
- Vietnamese Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus annamiticus)
The Javan rhino is a dusky grey colour and has a single horn, about 25 cm; the skin has a number of loose folds giving the appearance of armour plating. This species is very similar in appearance to the closely-related Indian rhinoceros, but is slightly smaller, with a much smaller head and the skin folds less apparent than in the Indian rhino. Recent evidence suggests that the horn may be absent or very small in females. The upper lip is pointed and can be used to grasp food and bring it to the mouth.
Size
The species weight ranges between 900-2,300 kg, and the body length between 2-4 m. This rhino can reach up to 170 cm.
Colour
The species is grey in colour
Habitat
Major habitat type
Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Biogeographic realm
Indo-Malayan
Range States
Indonesia, Vietnam
Geographical Location
Western Indonesia, Eastern Indochina
Ecological Region
Western Java Mountain Forests, Indochina Dry Forests
Danger Watch
A species relative risk of extinction, as determined by the IUCN - The World Conservation Union. More
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Extinct
No reasonable doubt that the last individual has died.
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Extinct in the Wild
Known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalized population.
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Critically Endangered
Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
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Endangered
Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
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Vulnerable
Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
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Near Threatened
Likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future.
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Least Concern
Does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endagnered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened
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