I spent three summers in Indonesia working on projects to support Javan rhinoceros and the communities that border their habitat. The Javan rhinoceros is unique because an individual has not been in captivity for over 100 years, and the entire species has a total global population of less than 80 all residing in a single national park in Indonesia. I was a second year student when I first heard of the Javan rhinoceros, which like the other four species of rhinoceroses on Earth, are large mammals with horns atop their nose which are often the target of illegal hunting. My work with the Javan rhinoceros began when I was an undergraduate student at Cornell University in the United States, and was invited to participate in a summer-long project where I partnered with a veterinary student to gain international experience in conservation research. I am fortunate enough to work with some of the most threatened species in the world, including the Javan rhinoceros ( Rhinoceros sondiacus), which is considered to be the most critically endangered land mammal on the planet. But most days I read scientific literature, plan projects from afar, analyze data and communicate with other scientists from around the world on the status of our collaborations. Maybe even better, I could wear a lab coat and hold test tubes. When I was younger I pictured my life as being a biologist like Jane Goodall, traveling with a pair of binoculars through a rainforest wearing khaki and beat up sneakers. My name is Montana Stone, and I am a graduate student studying biology at the University of Manitoba, Canada. We tend to take these interactions for granted, but they can provide us with a different perspective: humanity is part of a larger interconnected ecosystem that all depends on each other. The article below, published within the framework of this international observance, is based on the personal reflection of one of our interns, with a reminder of how wildlife connects with us and the future of our planet.Įveryday our lives are touched by wildlife: students admire fierce tigers restrained in a zoo, office workers dodge rats in the subway, children secretly applaud the tenacity of a gecko climbing up the school’s glass window, or you feel soothed by a beautiful bird singing in the morning. Today, work is being planned to create a project to move the Rhinos from Ujung Kulon National Park to another suitable location in Indonesia, which could help the Rhino to be saved from extinction.3 March marks the World Wildlife Day. Today even at the protected Ujung Kulon National Park, the Javan Rhino species still face natural challenges such as tsunamis which are known to occur in the area and a potential eruption of the Anak Krakatau volcano which could occur in the future.Īt the moment, conservation teams are relieved that poaching is no longer a threat to the animal, despite severe damage already having occurred over the years. Civil wars such as the Vietnam War severely depleted the natural habitat of Javan Rhinos. In addition to poaching, the animal has also faced other tragic events and challenges. Harsh hunting in the region saw the beautiful Javan Rhino be poached illegally for its horn, which is renowned as a special medicinal ingredient used in traditional Asian medicine.ĭespite efforts to reduce poaching in the area, the hunting of the Javan Rhino was often carried out by highly organised local and international crime rings, which proved extremely difficult for the local authorities to intervene with. Unfortunately, hunting has continued throughout the years which has led to the species being on the brink of extinction today. By the 1930’s the Javan Rhino was nearly hunted to extinction in Malaysia, India, Burma and Sumatra. Less than 200 years ago, the animal existed across northeast Indonesia, as well as mainland countries in South East Asia such as Vietnam.
In addition, it’s weight accounts for its size, as Javan Rhino adults can reach a hefty weight of 5,071 pounds. It can reach a height of 5.8 feet and a length of 10.5 feet, making it a rather staggeringly large mammal. This species of rhino has a dark grey colouring, common amongst rhino species, and a single horn on its head which can reach up to 10 inches in length. There are only 60 Javan Rhinos left, all of which are located in one protected area, the Ujung Kulon National Park, located in Java, Indonesia. Native to Asia, the Javan Rhino is the most threatened species of rhino and is currently facing extinction. Today, sadly only 5 species are currently surviving. Centuries ago, more than 100 rhino species existed and thrived across the globe. It is estimated that there are less than 30,000 rhinos remaining on Earth today.
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