JAKARTA, Indonesia: A new Javan rhinoceros calf has been sighted at Ujung Kulon National Park in Indonesia, offering hope for the conservation of one of the world’s most endangered mammals.
The calf, estimated to be between three and five months old, was captured on camera in footage obtained from one of the 126 camera traps installed within the park on Java island.
In the footage, the young rhinoceros, whose sex remains unknown, was observed walking alongside its mother within the confines of the park, which serves as the last remaining wild habitat for Javan rhinos.
“This is good news and proves that Javan rhinos, which only exist in Ujung Kulon, can breed properly,” remarked senior environment ministry official Satyawan Pudyatmoko in a statement on Saturday.
After experiencing a prolonged decline in population, authorities now estimate that there are approximately 82 Javan rhinos remaining within the sanctuary, which spans around 120,000 hectares of lush rainforest and freshwater streams.
Javan rhinoceroses are distinguished by folds of loose skin that give them the appearance of wearing armour plating.
Once prevalent across Southeast Asia, these majestic creatures have faced severe threats from rampant poaching and human encroachment on their natural habitats.
