4 Aug 09

Second Habitat to Be Established for Critically Endangered Javan Rhinos

The last population of approximately 50 Javan Rhinos in Indonesia’s Ujung Kulon National Park is to be divided into two groups in hopes of encouraging them to breed.

There is just one population of about 50 Javan Rhinos (Rhinoceros sondaicus) still surviving in Ujung Kulon NP, and experts believe the numbers will increase if a second group of rhinos is established elsewhere. The new “crash” (a group of rhinos) will initially consist of three females and one male.

Having all of the rhinos in just one location increases the risk of extinction, as a single catastrophe, such as disease or a natural disaster, can wipe out an entire population.

In a recent Jakarta Globe article, Ujung Kulon National Park spokesman Enjat Sudrajat said the new location would be close by, in the Gunung Honje area.

WWF project leader of Ujung Kulon National Park, Adhi Rachmat Hariyadi said the idea of a second habitat had been discussed since 1995.

Wildlife authorities anticipate completing the project by 2012.

Second Habitat to Be Established for Critically Endangered Javan Rhinos by Rhishja Larson originally published July 30, 2009 on EcoWorldly.

Rhishja Cota-Larson

I am the founder of Saving Rhinos LLC, which publishes news and information about the global rhino crisis. Besides writing Rhino Horn is Not Medicine, I am the author of the book Murder, Myths & Medicine, the Editor of Project Pangolin, and a writer for the environmental news blog Planetsave. When I'm not blogging about the illegal wildlife trade, I like to rock out to live music.

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