Loss of a Second Critically Endangered Javan Rhino Points to Dire Need for Conservation Action 

Indonesia – The world’s most threatened large mammal species, the Javan rhino, suffered another devastating setback when a carcass was discovered in Indonesia’s remote Ujung Kulon National Park last week.  Ujung Kulon holds the only viable population of the critically endangered species; no more than 48 Javan rhinos remain on the planet, and at least 44 of those are found in Ujung Kulon.  Fewer than four animals of unknown sex and age may remain in an isolated population in Cat Tien National Park in Vietnam, where the carcass of a poached Javan rhino, with its horn removed, was found last month.  This recent loss reinforces the critical need for bold action to save this species.

“These two deaths represent a loss of four percent of the global population,” said Dr. Susie Ellis, executive director of the International Rhino Foundation.  Javan rhinos persist in Ujung Kulon because they are carefully monitored and guarded by Rhino Protection Units, elite anti-poaching teams that patrol the park every day.  While the loss of this rhino was tragic, the fact that its head and horn were intact suggests that it died from natural causes rather than poaching.”

Shy, secretive creatures living in dense rainforest, Javan rhinos are difficult to find, even for seasoned rhino protection teams.  Over the past 14 years, Rhino Protection Units have tracked the rhinos daily, usually by following signs such as dung and footprints.  This intense monitoring and protection has essentially eliminated losses from poaching.  Even though poaching has been eradicated in Ujung Kulon, Rhino Protection Units remain vigilant.  Rhino poaching in Africa has reached a 15-year high, and last month’s loss of a Javan rhino to poachers in Vietnam is of grave concern.  Rhinos are killed for the sole intention of selling their horns on the black market, which are used in traditional Asian medicine to reduce fever.  Rhino poaching is a high-stakes, organized endeavor undertaken by well-organized crime networks that sometimes include corrupt government officials and foreign diplomats.  .

Although the rhino population in Ujung Kulon has remained relatively stable over the past 20 years, the overriding problem facing the species is that there is only one viable population in one location. Thus there is still significant risk of extinction from a single natural disaster or

“The death of even one animal represents a significant loss for this critically endangered species,” said Widodo Ramono, executive director of the Rhino Foundation of Indonesia. 
“The last photographic record of this animal, a male that had been frequently seen at a nearby wallow, was in March.  Forensic evidence suggests that it died shortly after that time.  The decomposing but intact skeleton was found along a densely forested wildlife trail.” 

According to Agus Priambudi, director of Ujung Kulon National Park, “Scientists and park officials are working hard to learn as much about the population as possible. In December 2008, a track analysis census, part of a long-term effort to monitor the population, estimated the population to be between 37 and 44 rhinos.  Another survey is now underway, using on-the-ground counts backed up by 60 camera-traps.  This effort is collaboration between the park, the Rhino Foundation of Indonesia, and WWF Indonesia.  Together, these data will verify population numbers and guide our management decisions.” 

“Because the park has no buffer zone, human encroachment has been increasing significantly in recent years,” said Priambudi.  “We are doing everything within our power to protect this fragile population.  Along with our partners the International Rhino Foundation, the Rhino Foundation of Indonesia, WWF Indonesia, and the local and provincial governments, we are in the process of raising funds to establish a new conservation and research area on the eastern side of the park. This will expand the usable habitat for rhino and hopefully give the population room to expand.” 

“Rhino experts agree that expanding the usable habitat in Ujung Kulon is an important first step,” said Ellis.  “The next priority will be to establish a second viable population of Javan rhino at a suitable site elsewhere in Indonesia as an ‘insurance’ population. This will be essential if we are to safeguard it from natural and human-caused disasters and to ultimately prevent its extinction.”

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About the International Rhino Foundation
The International Rhino Foundation is a global not-for-profit organization dedicated to the survival of the world’s rhino species through conservation and research, and increasing
awareness about the plight of the rhino.  To learn more about the IRF or make a direct contribution to help Javan rhinos, visit www.rhinos-irf.org.