The Rhinocerotidae family is made up of five species grouped into four genera, one of these being Rhinoceros, in which there are two living species of Asian rhinos. One of these is the Javanese rhinoceros, which has the scientific name Rhinoceros sondaicus, and is critically endangeredThree subspecies have been recognized, which are: Rhinoceros sondaicus sondaicus, Rhinoceros sondaicus annamiticus (Extinct) and Rhinoceros sondaicus inermis (Extinct).
Between the demand for the horn of this rhinoceros and the strong impact on the habitat, are the main reasons why the species is in critical danger of extinction, according to the red list of the International Union for the Nature Conservation. We invite you to continue reading this page of our site, so you can learn more about the characteristics of the Javan rhinoceros, where it lives and much more.
Characteristics of the Javan Rhinoceros
Of the Asian species, the Javan rhinoceros is the smallest reaching an average height of 1.7 m, with lengths ranging from 2 to 4 meters and from 1.5 up to 2 tons Some studies indicate that females become larger than males, although with similar body masses. One of the most curious characteristics is that they have almost no hair, with the exception of the nose, the horn and the tail, which have an accumulation of these. They have a gray coloration but not intense.
As for the horn, the males have a small one that measures about 25 cm, while females lack this or have little formation. The upper lip of these animals is prehensile and elongated, in fact it exceeds the lower lip, they also have quite large teeth. Another characteristic of Javan rhinoceroses is their body folds, which are easily seen in various areas of their large bodies. They have poor eyesight, but their senses of smell and hearing are well developed.
Java Rhino Habitat
The Javan rhino's range has been alarmingly restricted, previously extending into Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Cambodia, Vietnam and probably southern China. However, there is no precise data on all the areas in which it was distributed. As for the characteristics of the habitat, it could normally be made up of forests, open mixed grasslands and relatively high lands.
Where does the Javan rhinoceros live? Currently, is restricted to a lowland tropical forest habitat, with proximity to water, which is essential for the species. In this sense, these animals are concentrated in areas close to water, with accumulations of mineral s alts and the formation of swamps or wallows.
Customs of the Javan Rhinoceros
The Javan rhinoceros is particularly solitary, they only form pairs for the days of reproduction, then it is possible to see females with their young or single individuals. A typical custom is to roll in the mud, in order to hydrate their skin and protect it from parasites and diseases. In times of drought, the absence of the wallows can cause problems for them. In these spaces some individuals can be seen together, but this happens because they coincide in the place, not with the idea of grouping.
Another typical characteristic of the males is to use their horns to further deepen the spaces where they wallow. It is also common to see them rubbing their horns on the bark of trees. They are territorial, although there may be overlapping territories, more often among females than males. They are animals that in the face of possible threats do not retreat easily and become aggressive, mainly in the presence of their only predators, which are humans, of which they always prefer to be away.
Java Rhino Feeding
The Javan rhinoceros is exclusively herbivore basing its diet mainly on fruits, leaves, shoots and bark. It has a predilection for consuming the species Ficus variegata and kleinhovia variegataa. They use their prehensile lips to tear off food and then process it with their teeth. They go to great lengths to take the parts of plants they are attracted to, to the point that they are able to bend small trees to gain access to the high areas where the leaves are located.
On the other hand, they require the consumption of minerals, so if there is no presence of s alt accumulation, they can resort to drinking seawater to compensate for these nutritional requirements.
There is an important but problematic aspect linked to feeding and it has to do with the presence in the habitat of the Javan rhinoceros of a palm, specifically the species Arenga obtusifolia. By growing uncontrollably, it is capable of inhibiting the growth of other plants, particularly those that make up the diet of these rhinoceroses, which then results in a significant limitation in the availability of food for them.
Java Rhinoceros Reproduction
Due to the population situation of the species, studies on its biology are in some cases limited. It is estimated that sexual maturityl in them is reached by females between 5 to 7 yearsand by the males at 10. These animals can reproduce throughout the year. The males make sounds to attract the female, who usually chooses the male that makes the loudest sound.
It is a kind of courtship but with a certain confrontation between the couple. These individuals can mate with more than one member in the reproductive stage.
Gestation lasts on average 16 months, with the formation of a single calf, which will consume milk in a range that goes from the 12 to 24 months, and will become independent after two years.
Conservation Status of the Javan Rhinoceros
The Javan rhinoceros species is Critically Endangered and is extinct in Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, People's Democratic Republic Lao, Peninsular Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. Poaching to obtain the horn has been the primary cause of this situation. On the other hand, all existing individuals are reduced to a single area, the Ujung Kulon National Park on the island of Java, so that this results in the population depending on the carrying capacity of the ecosystem, as well as the impact that generate human actions. The availability of food is another reason for pressure on the species, as well as the transmission of certain diseases by local domestic livestock.
According to the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are less than 20 specimens of this species In addition, among the conservation measures are the denomination of the Javan rhinoceros as a protected species, as well as its incorporation for years in the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Poaching has been controlled and several alliances are being carried out between different organizations for the monitoring of the species.
