Javan Rhinoceros
Ecology and Habitat
Javan rhinos inhabit rainforests with a good supply of water and mud wallows; low-lying areas are preferred, although some animals have been recorded above 1,000m in Java, Indonesia.
Social Structure
The Javan rhino is solitary in habit, except when pairs form for mating and when mothers tend their young.
Life Cycle
Lifespan unknown, but probably about 30-40 years.
Breeding
Not much is known about the breeding biology of this species, as it has never bred in captivity. It is thought that, like the Indian rhino, females mature at 5-6 years and males at 10 years. The mating season occurs roughly from July to November, and the gestation period is unknown, but probably about 16 months - similar to the Indian rhinoceros.
Diet
The Javan rhino appears to be a more adaptable feeder than other extant rhino species: in the tropical rainforest where the species now survives, it is a pure browser, but possibly was a mixed feeder (both browse and grass) in other parts of its historic range where the species is generally believed to have occupied more lowland areas, especially along watercourses.
Habitat
Indonesia's Ujung Kulon National Park on the western-most tip of the island of Java is home to 40-60 Javan rhinos - the world's largest population.
This was the only known population, until less than 8 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.
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