![]() ![]() (See pictures: "14 Rarest and Weirdest Mammal Species Named.") At fewer than 40 individuals, the Javan rhino may be the rarest mammal on the planet, according to WWF. The image was released this week by WWF-Indonesia and Indonesia's National Park Authority.Ī motion-activated video camera also recorded "dramatic" footage of four of the rhinos, deemed critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation for Nature. ![]() Photograph courtesy Ujung Kulon National Park and WWFĪ Javan rhinoceros triggers a camera trap in Indonesia's Ujung Kulon National Park in late 2010. ![]() However, should an environmental catastrophe (such as a forest fire) or disease affect the population, dire consequences could result. Those Javan rhinoceroses residing in Indonesia are fortunate to have a slightly larger population. Inbreeding is known to increase the likelihood of birth defect or disease. Also, with so few animals, the likelihood of inbreeding is great. If there are only 1 or 2 females, their death could mean the end of the species in Vietnam. In addition, it is not known how many of the 7 to 15 rhinos are females. Although the land on which they live is currently protected, there is pressure to use the land for agricultural purposes. With such a small population however, the prospects for survival are not good. Only recently was the Javan rhinocerous spotted in the area. Agent Orange, land mines, and general warfare decimated the rhinocerous population. Following the Vietnam war, Rhinocerous sondaicus was thought to be extinct in Vietnam. The Javan rhinoceros is one of the most endangered species of the rhinoceros family (along with the Sumatran rhinoceros), and one of the rarest large mammals in the world. The tribal people of Vietnam are also known to poach the rhinoceros for meat. In this part of the world, one kilogram of rhino horn sells for approximately $60,000. Sixty percent of Eastern Asian doctors stock rhino horn, with Asian horns being perferred over their African counterparts. As long as governments protect these lands, agriculture can not occur here.Įastern Asian medicine views rhino horns as an important, if not essential part, of medicine. Many people in the Javan rhinoceros' homelands, especially Vietnam, would like to see the land upon which the rhino lives cleared for agricultural purposes. In addition to this, the Javan rhinoceros is known to graze upon leaves, young shoots, twigs and fruit. Rhinoceros sondaicus feeds for the most part by browsing. The range for the rhinoceros extends between 3 to 20 square miles, with various groups having ranges that overlap one another. The Javan rhinoceros is fairly solitary, except for mating pairs and mothers with their young. Gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate) sexual. Thirty-five to forty years is the average lifespan of Javan rhinoceroses. A young rhino will be active shortly after birth, and will be suckled by its mother for one to two years. The gestation period is sixteen months, and the interval between births is four to five years. The female Javan rhinoceros reaches sexual maturity at three to four years of age, while males reach maturity after six years. Their teeth are lophodont, and the Javan rhinoceros also has an unique prehensile lip that functions as an aid for feasting on leaves.Īge at sexual or reproductive maturity (female) Its one horn is made up of keratin (as are human fingernails), and may grow to a length of 10 inches. The skin is a hazy grey and contains tough folds that create an armor-like plating. They are known for having poor eyesight, but they have keen senses of smell and hearing - despite having smaller ears than other rhinoceroses. Although most members of the species are found in these lowland areas, they have been observed at more than 1000 feet above sea level.Īn average adult Javan rhinoceros is approximately 11 to 12 feet in length, with a height of 5 to 6 feet to the top of its shoulders. They prefer areas with abundant water and mud wallows. Rhinoceros sondaicus resides in dense, low-lying tropical rainforests. Approximately 50 to 60 Javan rhinoceroses are living in Ujung Kulon while a small group consisting of only 7 to 15 individuals are thought to be living in Cat Tien. Rhinoceros sondaicus (Javan rhinoceros) is known to reside in only two Southeast Asian locales: Ujung Kulon National Park in Java, Indonesia, and Cat Tien National Park in Vietnam. ![]()
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