Africa’s rhinos often get the spotlight – but Indonesia’s two rhino species are far closer to extinction
The latest State of the Rhino report reveals the urgent plight of the Javan and Sumatran rhino populations.
While Sumatran rhinos often steal the spotlight, Indonesia's two rhino species face a much more dire situation. In 1998, there were thought to be 300 Sumatran rhinos globally, but today there are fewer than 50. The Javan rhino is also critically endangered, with only a handful remaining in a single protected area on the Indonesian island of Java.
The tiny population is at risk due to the area's vulnerability to natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis. Sumatran rhinos, scattered across two islands, face an even bleaker future due to their isolated populations and the challenges of finding compatible mates. Conservation efforts, such as the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary established in 1996, have seen some success in breeding programs, with five calves born between 2012 and 2023.
Meanwhile, recent camera-trap footage has confirmed up to five Javan rhino calves born in Ujung Kulon in recent years, providing a glimmer of hope for these critically endangered species.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
