Helping the Javan Rhino Population to Grow

Ujung Kulon National Park in Indonesia is home to the only surviving population of the Critically Endangered Javan rhino left on earth. A decade ago, scientists determined that only about 60 animals could live in the park because available rhino habitat was limited by human encroachment and an invasive palm that was blocking the growth of rhino food plants.

What We’ve Accomplished
IRF embarked on an ambitious plan to hire teams of local villagers to remove the invasive palm and expand the habitat available for Javan rhinos. To date, these teams have cleared more than 100 hectares – the equivalent of around 100 football fields. Now, at least nine rhinos are now regularly using the area, including rhino calves. Best of all, camera trap data shows that the Javan rhino population has grown in the past few years to 67 animals – an increase of around 10% in the global population!

We hope that you’ll be inspired all that we’ve achieved together, and that you will consider making a donation to help us accomplish even more next year.

Javan Rhinos – What Comes Next?
For nearly twenty years, IRF has funded Javan Rhino Protection Units – highly-trained, anti-poaching teams that patrol the forests, monitoring wildlife, removing traps and snares, and identifying and apprehending illegal intruders. As the Javan rhino population expands, it is critical that this intensive protection continue.

Over the next year, we hope to purchase a boat and fund an additional Marine Rhino Protection Unit, to patrol coastal areas of Ujung Kulon that are easily accessible and thus particularly vulnerable to illegal incursions.

How Can You Help?
Please consider making a year-end donation to help protect Javan rhinos and other species that share their habitat.