Javan Rhinoceros - A Critically Endangered Species

The Javan rhinos are one of the most critically endangered species in the world. There are only around 35 individuals in the wild and that too in protected areas. 

Javan Rhino
Source: By T.Dixon. The Zoological Society of London [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

They are found in the tropical forests and the only population that exists now is in the Ujung Kulon National Park in Java, Indonesia

Range of the Javan Rhino
Source: By JayHenry, Thaisk Việt hóa (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

Did you know? They are the most endangered of the 5 threatened rhino species in the world.


The scientific name for the Javan Rhino is Rhinoceros sondaicus

Ujung Kulon National Park in Java, Indonesia
Source: gogobot.com

You can read more about the Javan rhino, its characteristics and behaviour, food and habitat, reproduction process, threats and reasons why they are endangered, conservation efforts and facts in detail if you follow the link below.

Javan Rhinoceros - A Critically Endangered Species

They have a horn that is made of keratin and it grows to a maximum length of 25 cm. They have poor vision but good sense of smell and hearing.

Anatomy of Javan Rhino
Source: worldwild.org

They can run at a speed of 30 mph. They are solitary animals and get together only for breeding.

These Javan rhinos like other rhino species, wallow in the mud to get rid of parasites and to cool their body. They live for around 30 to 45 years in the wild and do not survive well in captivity.

Javan Rhino
Source: arkive.org

The Javan Rhinos are herbivores and they eat fruits  leaves, tender stems etc. They also visit salt licks as they need salt in their food.

The female Javan rhino gives birth to one calf every 3 years and the gestation period is 16 months according to reports.

Arenga Palm
Source: tropical-biology.org

Main threats for the Javan rhinos:

• Natural catastrophes
• Diseases
• Inbreeding due to low population
• Hunting by humans for illegal trade - Rhino horn is NOT medicine
• Arenga palm invasion in rhino habitat
• Human settlements
• Forest clearing for agriculture

and many more...

Please follow the link below to read more in detail about the Javan rhinos

Javan Rhinoceros - A Critically Endangered Species

WWF is working with other conservation organisations to help save the Javan rhino species from extinction. If actions are not taken they could be extinct in another few years.

Did you know? A group of rhinos is called a crash or a herd!!!

Extinction is forever; So let us help save our planet by saving the life of the endangered species from extinction!

What can you do to help?

• You can adopt a rhino
• You can donate to the WWF
• Please do not buy rhino products and buy only FSC certified forest products and certified sustainable palm oil.
• Last but not the least, please spread the word about the threats that the Javan rhinos are facing

I hope you all enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing this. 

Sending you all blessings...

Peace

Livingsta :-)