Javan Rhinoceros

Historically found throughout Southeast Asia, the Javan Rhino's range has now been reduced to just a few pockets in western Java, Indonesia, specifically in the Ujung Kulon National Park. Their habitat consists of dense lowland rainforests, large floodplain areas with plenty of water, and reed beds that provide both food and cover. These habitats are critical for their survival, offering the solitude and resources they need.

The diet of the Javan Rhino is herbivorous, consisting primarily of young shoots, leaves, twigs, and fallen fruit. They are known to feed on as many as 100 different species of plants, demonstrating their role as key browsers in their ecosystem. This diet helps maintain the health of their habitat by preventing overgrowth and promoting biodiversity.

Reproduction in the Javan Rhino is poorly understood due to their elusive nature and critically low numbers. What is known suggests a slow breeding rate, with females giving birth to a single calf every 2-3 years after a gestation period of about 15-16 months. The low birth rate, combined with their long lifespan of up to 30-40 years, makes population recovery a slow process.

The Javan Rhino is critically endangered, with the total population estimated at only around 60-70 individuals, all located in Ujung Kulon National Park. There are no known Javan Rhinos in captivity, and their survival depends entirely on the conservation of their natural habitat and protection from poaching. Efforts to preserve their environment, combat poaching, and potentially create a second, secure habitat are crucial for their continued existence. The Javan Rhino remains a symbol of conservation challenges and the importance of global efforts to protect such irreplaceable species from extinction.