Rhino Species
Javan Rhino
The Rhino Family
Javan rhino
(Rhinoceros sondaicus)
Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry (MOEF) estimates the Javan rhino population at 76 individuals in 2022, a small increase over last year’s 75, with one birth and no deaths reported so far this year.
Javan rhinos are found only in Indonesia’s Ujung Kulon National Park (UKNP), where ten years ago there were fewer than 50 Javan rhinos. The rhino population has gradually increased, with at least one new calf recorded every year since 2012.
IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered & Population Stable
Facts
Biology
- The Javan Rhino is found only in Indonesia’s Ujung Kulon National Park in west Java.
- Javan rhinos appear to be more adaptable feeders than other rhino species: in the tropical rain forest where the species now survives, it is a pure browser, but it possibly was a mixed feeder (both browse and grass) in other parts of its historic range. Biologists have identified more than 300 different species that comprise their diet.
- Longevity is unknown, but Javan rhinos probably live to 30-40 years.
- Gestation is unknown but is presumed to be approximately 15-16 months, as in other rhinos. Inter-birth intervals are unknown, but mothers probably give birth to one calf approximately every 2-3 years.
- Javan rhinos are solitary in nature and are rarely seen.
- Females do not appear to have prominent horns.
Common Names
Javan rhinoceros
Asian lesser one-horned rhinoceros because of the Javan’s smaller size.
Scientific Name and Origin
Rhinoceros sondaicus
“Rhinoceros” from the Greek “rhino”, meaning “nose” and “ceros”, meaning “horn” and “sondaicus” (Latin -icus indicates a locality) referring to the Sunda islands in Indonesia, “Sunda” meaning “Java”
Current Javan Rhino Numbers and Distribution
Currently there are about 76 Javan rhinos surviving in just one country, Indonesia.
Physical Characteristics
SIZE
Weight: 2,000 – 5,060 pounds (900 – 2,300 kg)
Height: 5 – 5.5 feet (1.5 – 1.7 m) tall at the shoulder
Length: 6 – 11.5 feet (2.0 – 4.0 m)
HORN
Javan rhinos possess a single horn 10 in (25 cm) long, at least in males; females have a smaller or no horn.
Other Features
Gray, hairless, skin folds look like armor plates.