The Javan rhinoceros is only found in two locations in Southeast Asia: Ujung Kulon National Park in Java, Indonesia and the Cat Tien National Park in Vietnam. It is a very prehistoric looking animal and also one of the rarest, large-sized mammals. Adults are gray in color and have an armor-plated appearance, which is not really armor, but a result of having large, loose folds of skin. Except for its ears and tail-tip, the Javan rhinoceros is completely hairless. The average weight of an adult is between 3200 and 4400 lb, and the average length is between 9.8 and 11.5 feet. The average height at the shoulder is between 5 and 5.5 feet. Like all rhinoceroses, it has a single horn that reaches up to 9.8 inches long. Female horns are smaller than males, and some completely hornless females have been observed.
Threats
The Javan Rhino is the most endangered mammal in the world and is been hunted for its horns.Only two small populations of Javan rhino remain. This makes the species extremely vulnerable to extinction due to natural catastrophes, diseases, poaching, political disturbances, and genetic drift. The biology of the species is poorly understood, with techniques for accurately estimating their numbers not fully developed.
Reduced genetic diversity
The small size of Javan rhino populations, especially that in Cat Tien National Park where no more than 8 remain, is in itself a cause for concern. Low genetic diversity in these populations could lower their ability to survive natural disasters or diseases. As a result, natural catastrophes such as volcano eruptions or earthquakes, diseases, and genetic drift remain the main threats to the species.
Habitat loss and degradation
Another threat to the Javan rhino is the increased demand for land caused by rising human populations. Clearance of forests for agriculture and commercial logging are occurring in and around the two protected areas where these animals occur.
Studies on habitat improvement to increase the rhinos' natural food supply are underway. In the coming years, WWF and its partners will look at the possibility of translocating rhinos from Ujung Kulon National Park in Indonesia to establish a new population in other suitable habitat, security permitting.
