TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The numbers of the endangered Javan Rhino at the Ujung Kulon National Park has continued to increase, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Indonesia. "Every three years, we have noted a rise in population - not a lot by any means, but it is promising nonetheless," said the Chief of WWF Indonesia's Chapter in Ujung Kulon, Yuyun Kurniawan on Thursday, July 28, 2016.
According to WWF Indonesia's observation, in 2014, there are 57 Javan Rhino within the vicinity of the park. Their numbers increased to 60 in 2015, before increasing again to approximately 63 in 2016. Yuyun said that the male-to-female ratio is not yet known - but predicts that the population is dominated by males.
Although the continuously increasing number is a promising start, another problem has surfaced - that is, the total area of the park has remained the same. As a result, competition over food could lead the Javan Rhino to stray onto community pastures where its' preferred food grows - where these rhinos will be seen as a threat to local communities.
Another concern is that since the Javan Rhino is an isolated species, in-breeding is also one of the conservationist main concerns because it may amplify any genetic defect in the population - and this is an especially dire worry because the population is concentrated in one national park.
Genetic testing are also currently being done on tagged rhinos - and rhinos that are considered as closely-related genetically will be removed to other areas to prevent in-breeding.
In order to keep track of the Javan Rhino's position and quality of life, WWF Indonesia, Ujung Kulon National Park, and several other civil organisations has installed camera traps, used satellite imagery to map the concentration of their population, and continued to conduct regular patrols to prevent illegal poaching. "It has to be done very carefully, as these animals are prone to stress," said Yuyun.
ANTARA
