Only 35 Javan Rhino in Ujung Kulon

Population of Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) in Ujung Kulon National Park (UKNP) based on results of inventory in 2011, the numbers are staying about 35. The good news, of that number there are five calves and five adolescents rhinos.

"Founding rhinoceros mean age of the calve is no indication that the rhino is still evolving," said Inventory Monitoring and Javan Rhino Team, Yanto Santosa, who found after delivering the results of an inventory of the Javan rhino at the House of the Ministry of Forestry Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta, Thursday (29/12/2011).

He explained that the inventory of 2011 is using a new method, namely the video trap. A total of 44 video units installed in a location which is the preferred Javan rhino habitats, namely in the region Citadahan, Cikeusik, Cibandawoh, and Cigenter. Also located in Tanjung Talereng and Karang Ranjang. Second place was actually less preferred but still visited by Javan rhino. Monitoring was conducted via video from February to October 2011.

Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros Sondaicus) in Ujung Kulon National Park, Indonesia

After analyzing the video data, the number of individuals in UKNP at least 35 rhinos. Details, 22 males and 13 females. In terms of age, old aged 7, 18 adults, 5 adolescents, and 5 calves.

Yanto said, with a number of Javan rhino as much as it can not simply be inferred that the Javan Rhino populations in UKNP down. Previously conducted different inventory method than those used this year. Since 35 years ago, each year an inventory method of Javan rhino in UKNP using tally mark on the transect. The method was used because hard to find the Javan rhino directly. "Until now, the real Javan rhino population in UKNP not known exactly," he said.

UKNP Hall states, the number of Javan rhino there is estimated to about 50. According to Agus Priambudi as UKNP Head, a big population, it needs more effort to promote the development of targeted Javan rhino numbered 70 in 2015.

Some of the things that threaten the population of Javan Rhino is the invasion of plants that narrow the availability of food, the threat of eruption of Krakatoa and the tsunami, food competition with the bull, and forest encroachment.

Minister of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia, Zulkifli Hasan, said the effort to increase the population of Javan Rhino can not be done alone by the Ministry of Forestry Republic of Indonesia. Necessary cooperation with other institutions. "The support of media, professors, students. Then all together, we can," he said.

Ministry of Forestry Republic of Indonesia is currently trying to make the year 2012 as International Year of the Javan rhino. It is expected to be a momentum to boost Javan rhino conservation efforts. "We already send to the President of the Republic of Indonesia," he said.

Javan rhino researchers from Bogor Agricultural Institute, EKS Muntasip Harini said, one important requirement is necessary to increase the population of Javan Rhino is to provide an adequate place to live. You see, the Javan rhino need good nutrition, a place to live, and where mating is sufficient to breed. "If it was in UKNP is insufficient, should begin the effort to find a new place to live for Javan rhino," she said.

According to Harini, many places in Java that is suitable for Javan rhino, ranging from Ujung Kulon to Kediri, East Java. Evidenced by the signs left behind in the past. "In the whole of West Java, whose name Cibadak means once rhinos live there. "Cai Badak" means rhinoceros puddle of water that used to be," she said. *** [CATUR RATNA WULANDARI | PIKIRAN RAKYAT 30122011]