Indonesia, 4 uncatalogued young Javan rhinos spotted
Environment — di Lorenzo Brenna
Following recent camera trap sightings, the population of these rare mammals has risen to 72 individuals.
Indonesia, 4 uncatalogued young Javan rhinos spotted
Following recent camera trap sightings, the population of these rare mammals has risen to 72 individuals.
For a critically endangered species, listed as "Critically Endangered" on the IUCN Red List, such as the Javan rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus), the discovery of four new young individuals is extraordinary news, casting a faint glimmer of hope over the bleak future of these mysterious and fragile giants of the forest.
Once widespread across Southeast Asia, Javan rhinos have suffered a tragic decline due to poaching and deforestation, and the few surviving individuals are all concentrated in Ujung Kulon national park, located at the north-western tip of the island of Java, in Indonesia.
Javan Rhino Increases to 72 in Latest Count intlrhinofoundation.wordpress.com/2019/12/06/jav…
A young hope
It is here, in recent months, that researchers using camera traps have documented the presence of four previously uncatalogued young individuals. The number of known rhinos has thus risen from 68 to 72 individuals. "We are thrilled to witness new births in Ujung Kulon park," reads a statement from the International Rhino Foundation (IRF). "Surpassing the threshold of 70 individuals represents a significant milestone." An official from the Indonesian Ministry of the Environment specified that the calves have different mothers and all were identified within the boundaries of the park.
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A gradual increase
Ten years ago, it was believed that fewer than 50 Javan rhinos lived in the Indonesian park. Thanks to the long-term efforts of rangers, park managers, officials and NGOs, the population has gradually begun to grow again. In addition to combating poaching and illegal activities, the managers of the protected area have undertaken various initiatives to encourage the spread of the rare mammals, such as the removal of invasive non-native plant species that hinder the growth of the plants on which the rhinos feed.
Badak Jawa (Rhinoceros sondaicus) yang tadinya tersebar di banyak wilayah, kini hanya ada di Taman Nasional Ujung Kulon. #WorldRhinoDay #Connect2Wildlife #Connect2Earth #NatureMatters #TogetherPossible #SurvivinginSilence
Rhinos are still in danger
Experts believe that, thanks to the measures taken, a stable increase in the number of rhinos has been achieved. The IRF has stated that no cases of poaching have been recorded in the park for over 20 years, and since 2012 at least one calf has been born every year. Despite these positive figures, the species is still at risk and faces several threats, from infectious diseases (which in such a small population can be fatal) to human activities, as well as natural disasters — their habitat lies within the danger zone of the Anak Krakatau volcano.
The future of the Javan rhino
Some researchers also believe that Ujung Kulon park, which covers just 480 square kilometres, would not be able to sustain a larger population than the current one, thus limiting future growth. Following the tsunami that struck Ujung Kulon in 2018, which highlighted the vulnerability of the rhinos' sole habitat, the Indonesian government had decided to find a second habitat in which to establish a new population. This search has currently been suspended, with priority given instead to expanding the rhinos' territory within the park.
Inspired by the species’ scientific name, Rhinoceros sondaicus, Project Sondaicus is a student-led initiative to preserve endangered Javan Rhinos by preserving its habitat, which they hope to encourage through the spreading of awareness bit.ly/31qI6tX
"There is undoubtedly still a great deal of work to be done," said Cathy Dean, CEO of Save the Rhino International. "We need to continue protecting and monitoring the rhinos within Ujung Kulon, as well as seeking a second suitable site, so as not to have all the world's Javan rhinos in one 'basket'. Just 50 years ago, it was thought that the entire Javan rhino population numbered between 21 and 28 individuals. The increase to more than 70 animals today is a great success, and gives us hope that with sustained and strategic efforts, Javan rhinos, and other endangered rhino species, can thrive."