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Javan Rhinoceros

Rare, mysterious, and highly threatened

On the Trail of Rhinos
Learn how dogs are helping scientists determine the number of remaining Javan rhinos

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

Indonesian Javan Rhinoceros
Indonesian Javan Rhinoceros
full profile
- Habitat: Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
- Location: Western Indonesia
- Population:28-56 in Ujung Kulon National Park, Java

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Danger Watch

A species relative risk of extinction, as determined by the IUCN - The World Conservation Union. More

Extinct

No reasonable doubt that the last individual has died.
Extinct in the Wild

Known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalized population.
Critically Endangered

Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
Endangered

Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
Vulnerable

Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
Near Threatened

Likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future.
Least Concern

Does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endagnered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened