A comprehensive survey to gather genetic data about the last Javan rhino population in Vietnam kicks off in November 2009.

WWF announced earlier this week that a comprehensive survey of Cat Tien’s Javan rhino population will begin next month and continue until April 2010. The purpose of the study is to gather urgently needed genetic data in order to develop a local conservation management strategy for these critically endangered mammals.

It is estimated that there no more than five individuals of this rare Javan rhino subspecies (Rhinoceros sondaicus annamiticus) still surviving in Vietnam’s Cat Tien National Park.

Data from dung

According to WWF, data about these shy and elusive creatures will be compiled using Javan rhino dung analysis.

Because Javan rhino dung is almost as difficult to locate as a Javan rhino, tracking dogs from the U.S. – which are specially trained to locate Javan rhino dung – will be deployed for the project. Dung samples will be sent to Queen’s University in Canada and the Zoological Society of London for analysis to reveal a hormone profile.

Project collaboration

Joining the WWF on the Javan rhino population survey are the Forest Protection Department, Cat Tien National Park, and international rhino experts.

The team is reportedly looking to the government of Vietnam for support, but are likely to face a tough obstacle: Plans to build a power plant at the edge of Javan rhino habitat have unfortunately been approved by the Lam Dong administration.

In addition to the Javan rhino subspecies, Vietnam’s Cat Tien National Park is home to 40 species on the IUCN Red List.

Image source: Wikimedia Commons