Creature Feature: Rare Javan Rhinos on Video

Rare video footage shows two critically endangered Javan rhinos and their calves (Rhinoceros sondaicus) at home in the dense rainforest of Ujung Kulon National Park. The video evidence shows rhinos successfully breeding in the park, tremendously good news for conservationists because the rhino is on the edge of extinction. Only twelve births have been recorded in the past decade, and only estimated 40-60 still survive in the park.  Only eight are thought to survive in Vietnam.  Ujung Kulon, separated from inhabited areas by a volcano and isthmus, is a natural haven of remnant rainforest and has a carrying capacity of perhaps 80-100 rhinoceros.  The population was as low as 21-28 in 1967, but anti-poaching patrols allowed the rhino population to grow to 45-54.  The population has appeared to stabilize under continued human monitoring and protection.  Other species such as birds and fish benefit from the rhino protection.   There are no Javan rhinos in captivity.  Camera traps were installed by WWF Indonesia and the park authorities.