Javan Rhino Study & Conservation Area – Update

Written by Hanif Muhammad, IRF’s Indonesia Liaison

For a little background, the Javan Rhino Study & Conservation Area (JRSCA – Jah-ris-kah) was created to increase the amount of available and attractive habitat for Javan rhinos living in Ujung Kulon National Park (UKNP). 150 people from local communities were hired to construct an 8-km fence around the area to prevent encroachment and illegal cattle grazing. Three guard posts were also built along with a base of operations just outside of the JRSCA. Seventy-eight hectares (193 acres) of the invasive Arenga palm have been cleared to allow for native rhino food plants to recolonize the area. Now, Javan rhinos and signs of their activity are regular seen in the JRSCA.

On Sept 19-23, I had the opportunity to accompany a doctoral student from Australia to the JRSCA. As a part of his visit, he donated three camera traps to monitor rhinos and other animal activity in the JRSCA. His donation was greatly appreciated and I had a great time learning more about the area. Here are a few photos from our adventures.

JRSCA team member setting up one of the donated camera traps in active wallow area and Arenga palm cleared area. — JRSCA team member setting up one of the donated camera traps in active wallow area and *Arenga* palm cleared area.

New plant has growth in area recently cleared of Arenga palm. — New plant has growth in area recently cleared of *Arenga* palm.

You can learn more about Javan rhino conservation and the JRSCA here.

Leave a Reply