5 Facts about the Javan Rhino, a Rare Animal from Indonesia that is Threatened with Extinction

JAKARTA – The Javan rhinoceros has a number of interesting facts to know. One of them is related to its habitat which is only in Indonesia.

In the world of biology, the Javan rhino has the name Rhinoceros sondaicus. This animal is one of the wild animals that is also threatened with extinction.

Its threatened existence cannot be separated from the hunting actions of irresponsible individuals. Usually, Javan rhinos are hunted for their horns.

Furthermore, what is the Javan rhino actually like? Check out the following facts to get to know him.

Facts about the Javan Rhino

1. Its habitat is only in Indonesia

The Javan rhino is known as one of two types of rhino whose habitat is only in Indonesia. Quoting the website of the Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation, Monday (29/4/2024), the population distribution is limited to the southwest peninsula of Java Island, specifically the Ujung Kulon National Park (TNUK) area.

Apart from that, the Javan rhino is also one of the five remaining rhino species in the world. Based on the IUCN Red List Data Book, this animal has Critically Endangered status due to its narrow population distribution, small population size, and level of risk to its habitat and population.

2. Has the characteristic of one small horn

One of the distinctive characteristics of the Javan rhinoceros is that it only has one horn and is relatively small in size. This small size is what differentiates it from the Indian rhinoceros horn.

In terms of physical characteristics, the Javan rhinoceros weighs between 900 and 2,300 kilograms. While the body length ranges from 2 to 4 meters.

The Javan rhinoceros has a tapered upper lip. This helps him to take leaves or twigs as food.

3. Likes to bathe

In their daily lives, Javan rhinos like to relax. Usually, they will look for mud puddles to use as a place to relax.
Apart from mud puddles, Javan rhinos also usually soak in water. This is done to clean the mud that has dried on the body and adjust body heat.

4. Eat leaves and twigs

The Javan rhinoceros has a habit of eating leaves. Interestingly, they eat slowly.

This means that the Javan rhino moves slowly from one food source to another. The route itself can be spotted by tracks that often lead to previous feeding sources.

Apart from leaves, the Javan rhino likes to eat twigs. They can bend taller plants by placing weight on their bodies.

5. Endangered

Despite its uniqueness, the Javan rhino is also threatened with extinction. This species faces many threats, including natural disasters, disease and poaching.

Currently, the number is estimated to be less than 100 individuals. This figure could get worse if illegal hunting behavior continues and does not receive protection from the government.

That’s a review of a number of interesting facts about the Javan rhinoceros to know.

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