The last population of approximately 50 Javan Rhinos in Indonesia’s Ujung Kulon National Park is to be divided into two groups in hopes of encouraging them to breed.
There is just one population of about 50 Javan Rhinos (Rhinoceros sondaicus) still surviving in Ujung Kulon NP, and experts believe the numbers will increase if a second group of rhinos is established elsewhere. The new “crash” (a group of rhinos) will initially consist of three females and one male.
Having all of the rhinos in just one location increases the risk of extinction, as a single catastrophe, such as disease or a natural disaster, can wipe out an entire population.
In a recent Jakarta Globe article, Ujung Kulon National Park spokesman Enjat Sudrajat said the new location would be close by, in the Gunung Honje area.
WWF project leader of Ujung Kulon National Park, Adhi Rachmat Hariyadi said the idea of a second habitat had been discussed since 1995.
Wildlife authorities anticipate completing the project by 2012.
About Rhishja Cota-Larson
[...] The study was carried out as part of the plan to establish a second habitat for the critically endangered Javan rhino. [...]