- Advertisement -
World

Two rare Javan rhino calves spotted in Indonesia

Javan rhinos once numbered in the thousands across Southeast Asia, but have been hard hit by rampant poaching and human encroachment on their habitats.

AFP
1 minute read
Share
This handout still image taken from video footage on May 22, 2020 and released by the environment and forestry ministry on Sep 20, 2020 shows a male Javan rhinoceros calf named Luther (left) in Ujung Kulon national park in Indonesia’s Banten province. Two extremely rare Javan rhinoceros calves have been spotted in the park, boosting hopes for the future of one of the world's most endangered mammals. Photo: AFP
This handout still image taken from video footage on May 22, 2020 and released by the environment and forestry ministry on Sep 20, 2020 shows a male Javan rhinoceros calf named Luther (left) in Ujung Kulon national park in Indonesia’s Banten province. Two extremely rare Javan rhinoceros calves have been spotted in the park, boosting hopes for the future of one of the world's most endangered mammals. Photo: AFP

Two Javan rhinoceros calves have been spotted at an Indonesian national park, offering a rare sighting of one of the world’s most endangered mammals.

The pair – ranging in age from three months to one year – were caught on footage snapped by camera traps in March at Ujung Kulon national park, the environment ministry said.

On the westernmost tip of Java island, Ujung Kulon is the last remaining wild habitat for Javan rhinos.

After years of population decline, there are believed to be just 73 of the rare mammals at the sanctuary, which comprises some 5,100 hectares (12,600 acres) of lush rainforest and freshwater streams.

Javan rhinos have folds of loose skin giving them the appearance of wearing armour plating.

They once numbered in the thousands across Southeast Asia, but have been hard hit by rampant poaching and human encroachment on their habitats.