Rare Javan rhinoceros discovered in Indonesia

The rhino, estimated to be between three and five months old, was spotted in video footage captured on Thursday (April 4) by one of 126 "camera traps" installed at Ujung Kulon National Park on Java island.

This 2021 documentary image released by Indonesia's environment ministry shows one of two rare Javan rhinos filmed in Ujung Kulon National Park. File photo: Indonesia's Ministry of Environment and Forestry/AFP

The animal, whose sex is unknown, was seen walking with its mother in the park, the last remaining wild habitat of the Javan rhino.

“This is good news and proves that Javan rhinos, which only exist in Ujung Kulon, can reproduce normally,” senior environment ministry official Satyawan Pudyatmoko said in a statement on Saturday.

After years of population decline, authorities believe there are 82 rare rhinos inside the 120,000-hectare reserve of lush rainforest and freshwater streams.

The Javan rhinoceros has loose folds of skin that give it the appearance of wearing armor.

They once numbered in the thousands across Southeast Asia but have been severely affected by rampant poaching and human encroachment on their habitat.

Mai Van (according to CNA)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/phat-hien-te-giac-java-con-quy-hiem-o-indonesia-post290884.html