The Javan rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus) lives in the lowland rainforests of the Southeast Asia but it is a rare rhino species. The animal is a browser and it has got an armor-like skin. There is hardly a single javan rhino remaining in the wild and IUCN has listed it as critically endangered species.
Javan Rhino Facts
Anatomy
- The Javan rhino is nearly the size of black rhinos but it is smaller than the Indian rhinoceros. The rhino is one of the largest animals in Java—second only to Asian elephants.
- It can reach a size of about 2 to 4 m (6.6 to 13.1 ft) and stands 1.4–1.7 m (4.6–5.6 ft) at the shoulder.
- They weigh up to 900 and 2,300 kg (2,000 and 5,100 lb).
- There seems to be no difference between the size of males and females.
- They have 20 cm (7.9 in) long horns.
- Javan rhinos don’t seem to use their horns for fighting instead they use it to take the mud out of wallows.
- Like other rhino species, Javan rhinos have a poor sight but they can smell well.
- The average lifespan is 30 – 45 years.
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Distribution
- We don’t have exact numbers in the wild but one study suggests that there are less than 100 rhinos left in the wild.
- They are arguably one of the most endangered species in the world.
- Ujung Kulon National Park (Java) is the only habitat where one can spot Javan rhinos.
Habitat
- They are likely to make homes in a variety of habitats such as grasslands, dense lowland rainforests, reed beds, mud wallows, wet lands, and large floodplains.
- Generally they fancy living in low areas but some of them are found at a height of 2,000 m (6,561 ft)
Behavior
- Outside the breeding season, javan rhinoceros move alone.
- The home range of males is 12–20 km (7.5–12.4 mi)².
- Adult rhinos do not have any natural predators.
Feeding Ecology & Diet
- They are herbivorous and they eat many plant species.
- The diet includes twigs, fallen fruits, shoots, and young foliage.
- Javan rhinos are thought to consume 50 kg (110 lb) a day. It needs salt in its diet.
Conservation Status
Critically Endangered