A unique and critically endangered species that bears a distinct appearance with its dusky grey, hairless skin adorned with several loose folds that mimic the appearance of armor plating. While offering an imposing visage, this natural armor is not just for show but is part of the rhinoceros’s unique adaptation to its environment. One notable feature that sets the Javan rhinoceros apart from its cousins is its horn. Unlike other rhinoceros species known for their long and majestic horns, the Javan rhinoceros presents with a much shorter horn, typically not exceeding 25 cm (10 inches). Furthermore, this species exhibits a sexual dimorphism in this trait; only males are equipped with a horn, while females are not, a fascinating aspect of their biology.
In terms of size and physical appearance, the Javan rhinoceros shares similarities with the Indian rhinoceros but is distinguishably smaller and sports less pronounced skin folds. This subtle difference in physical characteristics highlights the diversity within the rhinoceros family, with each species adapting uniquely to its habitat and lifestyle.
Historically, the Javan rhinoceros had a range that extended across Southeast Asia and reached into northeast India, signifying a once broad distribution that reflected the species’ adaptability and ecological significance. However, the current status of the Javan rhinoceros is in stark contrast to its historical abundance. Today, the entire population of Javan rhinoceroses is confined to Ujung Kulon National Park in Indonesia, a sobering reminder of the species’ perilous state. The eradication of the Javan rhinoceros from Vietnam in 2010, with the poaching of the last individual, underscores the critical threats facing this species, primarily from poaching driven by the demand for their horns.
Distribution
Bangladesh
Official estimate
Cambodia
Official estimate
China
Official estimate
India
Official estimate
Indonesia
Official estimate
Laos
Official estimate
Malaysia
Official estimate
Myanmar
Official estimate
Thailand
Official estimate
Vietnam
Official estimate
Recent updates
Jan 2023: Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry updated on the arrival of two new Javan rhino calves!
Did you know?
- They are the smallest of the living rhinoceros species and are also known as the Sunda rhinoceros.
- Javan rhinos are known for their distinctive prehensile lip, which allows them to grasp and pull leaves and twigs from trees.
- Despite their massive size, Javan rhinos are excellent swimmers and can cross deep rivers and swim long distances to reach new habitats.
- Javan rhinos have poor eyesight, but a strong sense of smell and hearing, which they use to navigate their environment and avoid predators.
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
